Kenya’s Lionesses pulled off a remarkable triumph, defeating Argentina 17-12 to claim the HSBC Challenger Series title at Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening.
The victory capped off a stunning campaign for the Dennis Mwanja-coached side, who displayed resilience, skill, and unwavering determination throughout the tournament.
Path to Glory
The Lionesses showcased their intent early in the competition, cruising through the group stages unbeaten.
They secured a dominant 29-7 victory over Poland to finish top of Pool D. Earlier, they outclassed Samoa 20-5, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable journey.
Against Poland, Freshia Oduor opened the scoring with an early try. Though Poland briefly took the lead through Oliwia Krysiak’s converted try, Stella Wafula’s unconverted score restored Kenya’s advantage before halftime. From then on, Kenya’s superior fitness and tactical prowess overwhelmed the Polish side.
Semi-Final Showdown
In a pulsating semi-final clash, Kenya edged hosts South Africa 19-15 in a tightly contested battle. The Lionesses struck through Naomi Amuguni, Sharon Auma, and Freshia Oduor, who each crossed the whitewash. Despite a strong fightback from the home side, Kenya’s defense held firm to secure a spot in the final.
Final Triumph
The grand finale against Argentina proved to be a thrilling encounter. Okumu Judith starred with two tries, while Okulu Grace contributed both a try and crucial conversions. The Lionesses’ quick attacking play and solid defense ensured they stayed in control throughout the game.
Argentina threatened late in the game, but Kenya’s unwavering determination saw them hold on for a well-deserved 17-12 victory.
Historic Achievement
The win marked a significant milestone for Kenya’s Lionesses, underlining their growing dominance in women’s rugby. It also bolstered their hopes of breaking into the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team,” said coach Dennis Mwanja. “The girls showed great character and fought hard for every win.”
With the HSBC Challenger Series title in hand, the Lionesses have proven they are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage, igniting hopes for even greater achievements in the future.
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