The Kenyan women’s rugby 7s team, the Lionesses, showcased resilience as they stormed into the semi-finals of the World Rugby 7s Challenger Series with a hard-fought 22-12 victory over the Czech Republic in Dubai on Saturday.
In their previous encounter during the pool stage, the Czech Republic had emerged victorious with a 17-12 scoreline. However, the Lionesses were determined to rewrite the script in the quarterfinals.
The Czechs took an early lead as Anezka-Marta Sladkova scored the first try in the opening minute. Undeterred, Naomi Amuguni swiftly leveled the scores for Kenya, and Sinaida Nyachio’s successful conversion put them in the lead.
Nyachio faced a temporary setback when she received a yellow card in the fifth minute, allowing the Czechs to capitalize with Sladkova’s second try, converted by Julie Dulezidova.
Refusing to be undone, the Lionesses fought back, equalizing once again through Stella Wafula’s try in the 10th minute. With just a minute left in the game, Amuguni secured her brace with another try, putting Kenya in control.
Nyachio redeemed herself with her first try before the final whistle, sealing the Lionesses’ revenge mission and confirming their spot in the semi-finals.
In the upcoming semi-final clash, the Lionesses are set to face Argentina, who also secured a 22-12 victory in their quarterfinal against Thailand. The stage is set for an exciting continuation of the World Rugby 7s Challenger Series in Dubai.
