Kenya 7s

Kenya Lionesses romp into Challenger Series Cup semis

By Amanga collins

Posted on August 14, 2022

Kenya Lionesess in a past action. Photo Courtesy/ Spain Rugby

Kenya Lionesses in a past action. Photo Courtesy/ Spain Rugby

Kenya Lionesses are through to the Challenger Series semi-finals after a 24-7 win over Argentina in the quarterfinals played on Sunday in Chile.

The Lionesses who are on a four-match winning streak will play the winner of the match pitting Japan and Belgium in the semis. The match will be at 17:58 EAT.

Lindo’s try

Christabel Lindo spotted a gap on the left side off a ruck and raced on to score the opening try for the Kenya Lionesses in the fourth minute. The Lionesses stretched the lead through captain Judith Auma who was put through by Janet Okello.

The try was converted by Grace Adhiambo for a 12-0. The lionesses held on to take a lead to the break.

In the final half, support play saw Nelima Wafula release the ball to Lindo who went on to score a try that Adhiambo converted for a 19-0 lead.

Editor’s pick:

Okello joined the scoresheet after a darting run that saw her sell a dummy before rounding his markers for the fourth try that put the scores at 24-0 after a missed conversion.

Argentina pulled back with a converted try just before the final whistle. Kenya’s next match will be at 17:58 EAT on Sunday.

About Challenger Series

Launched in February 2020 to boost the development of rugby sevens across the globe, the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series acts as a promotion pathway for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

This year’s Challenger Series is being held as a one-off combined event that will feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams representing each of the six World Rugby regions. Those teams qualified for August’s tournament via regional competitions.

The tournament replicates the Olympic Games competition format, with the 12 teams drawn into three pools. The top two from each as well as the two best third-placed finishers will qualify for the knockout stages.

The winners of the women’s and men’s 2022 Challenger Series will take their place among the core teams in the 2023 Series.