The Kenya Lionesses have booked their place in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2 after edging South Africa 17-14 in a tense playoff final at the 2025 HSBC Sevens promotion and relegation playoffs tournament in Los Angeles.
Lionesses LA7s campaign
It has been a tournament of resilience for the Lionesses, who initially faced a tough start with back-to-back pool losses falling 33-14 to Spain and 28-10 to Brazil. However, they bounced back strongly with a narrow 7-5 victory over Colombia, a win that secured their spot in the promotion playoff against South Africa.
In the final, South Africa struck first with Madine Roos crossing the line in the second minute and converting her own try to take an early 7-0 lead. Kenya responded almost immediately, with Freshia Oduor scoring a try in the fourth minute with Sinaida Nyachio conversion failing to sail through.
The Lionesses then pulled ahead as Sharon Auma touched down in the seventh minute, although Sinaida Mokaya missed the conversion. Kenya faced a setback just before halftime when Judith Okumu was shown a yellow card, allowing South Africa to capitalize.
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Shortly after the break, Shiniqwa Lamprecht scored for South Africa, and Roos converted to bring the match at 14-10. However, South Africa’s momentum was halted when Alicia Wilense received a red card, reducing them to six players.
Kenya took full advantage, with Oduor grabbing her second try of the match in the 14th minute. Nyachio stepped up and slotted home the crucial conversion, giving Kenya a 17-14 lead they successfully defended until full-time.
Referee Sunny Lee officiated the match, which saw the Lionesses showcase their fighting spirit and determination to secure Kenya a place in the HSBC SVNS Division 2 for 2026.
