Kenya Lionesses maintained their perfect record in the 2025 HSBC Women’s Challenger Series in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Lionesses, who won the First Leg of the Challenger Series last weekend after defeating Argentina 17-12 in the final, started their Semifinal match against Columbia with the same players who lead them team to victories against Belgium and Uganda in their two Pool A matches on Friday, as coach Dennis Mwanja maintained his faith in Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Sinaida Nyachio, Judith Okumu, Grace Okulu, and Sharon Auma.
Kenya found itself in unfamiliar territory soon after kick off; falling behind for the first time in the Second Leg of the series after Daniela Alzate scored a try for Colombia in the 3rd minute. Colombia had a chance to extend that lead but Laura Mejia missed her conversion, keeping the score at 5-0.
Despite their best efforts, Kenya could not find a way back into the game during the first half as Colombia defended resolutely, ensuring the first period ended 5-0 in their favour.
However, Lionesses returned stronger in the second half and got back on level terms in the 10th minute after Judith Okumu sprinted to the try line.
Sinaida Nyachio missed the conversion but it did not affect Kenya’s momentum as two minutes later, Sharon Auma embarked on a long run which ended with her making a try behind the sticks, allowing Nyachio to convert easily to give Kenya a 12-5 lead.
Lionesses held on to the win to seal their third win in the leg and book a date with South Africa in the final.
Lionesses mauled South Africa 17-00 to win the second leg of the Challenger Series after Naomi Amuguni put the National team in the lead after only five minutes, off of a layoff by Grace Adhiambo to go over the try line.
The try was a just reward for the Lionesses who had been knocking on the Lady Boks’ door from the first whistle.
Kenya continued with their onslaught in the second half and it was always a matter of when and not if they would add their second.
It finally came in the 11th minute via Sharon Auma, whose piercing pace down the left flank left the South Africans chasing after the wind in vain. Sinaida Nyachio then stepped up to add the extras. With seconds left on the clock, Freshia Oduor then put the final nail on the hosts’ coffin with Lionesses third try, barging her way through the opposition’s 22 to put the ball over the white chalk.
The victory marks Lionesses’ second trophy of the Challenger Series following last week’s triumph in the first leg in the same city, a Roar of Victory for the Kenyan Women's National Rugby Team.
