The Kenya Lionesses began their HSBC SVNS LA7s campaign with a 33-14 defeat to Spain in their opening match of the HSBC Challenger Series playoffs at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Lionesses who are champions of the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series are competing in Pool A alongside Spain, Brazil, and Colombia.
Spain took early control of the match, with Marta Cantabrana scoring a try in the fourth minute, successfully converted by Carmen Miranda.
Just a minute later, Stela Juana crossed the line for another try, with Miranda adding the extras once again to give Spain a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Kenya responded strongly after the break when Freshia Oduor scored in the eighth minute, with Sinaida Nyachio converting to reduce the deficit.
However, Spain quickly extended their advantage as Beatriz Dominguez touched down in the ninth minute, with Anne Fernandez slotting the conversion.
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Fernandez added another try in the 12th minute and converted her own effort to maintain Spain’s dominance.
Oduor struck again for Kenya in the 14th minute, with Captain Grace Okulu converting, but Spain sealed their victory with a final try from Dennisse Gortazar.
Although Fernandez missed the last conversion, Spain had already done enough to close out the match with a 33-14 win.
The Lionesses will aim to bounce back in their next match against Brazil at 1:35 AM, before concluding their Pool A fixtures on Sunday morning at 8:44 AM against Colombia.
Following changes implemented by World Rugby within the HSBC SVNS Circuit, the top four teams from the playoffs will earn a place in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2 level a target the Lionesses will be determined to achieve.
