Adhiambo sparks bright as Lionesses avenge Belgium defeat in Challenger Series opener
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 07.03.25. | 18:12
Fresh from being crowned champions in the first leg, the Lionesses were eager to maintain their momentum, and they wasted no time making their intentions clear
The Kenya Lionesses kicked off the second round of the HSBC Challenger Series in style, securing a 17-10 victory over Belgium in their first pool match played at the Athlone Stadium in South Africa on Friday, March 7.
Fresh from being crowned champions in the first leg, the Lionesses were eager to maintain their momentum, and they wasted no time making their intentions clear.
Belgium kicked off, but Kenya quickly gained possession, and after a series of fluid passes, Sharon Auma set up the ever-reliable Grace Adhiambo for the opening try of the match.
The conversion attempt, however, hit the post.
Belgium responded almost immediately, leveling the scores with a try of their own.
However, an infringement by Belgium saw Kenya regain possession, and Adhiambo capitalized on a miscommunication in the Belgian defense to race clear and bag her second try of the match.
A scrappy passage of play followed, with Belgium attempting substitutions to shake things up.
The Europeans tried to force a turnover, but the Lionesses remained resolute.
Although Belgium eventually won back possession after Kenya conceded a penalty, they failed to convert it into points.
Instead, Kenya made them pay. With a series of swift passes, Adhiambo once again powered over the line to complete her hat trick.
This time, Sinaida Nyachio successfully added the extras, giving Kenya a comfortable 17-5 lead at halftime.
Kenya kicked off the second half, but Belgium came out with renewed energy, scoring their second try within the first minute.
From there, the contest tightened, with both teams battling fiercely for control.
Belgium enjoyed an impressive spell of passing, but a well-timed turnover from Stella Wafula handed possession back to Kenya.
However, a knock-on by Freshia Oduor stalled their momentum, setting up a nervy finish with less than two minutes to play.
Fatigue began to creep in, with both sides making handling errors. Belgium fought desperately to claw their way back, but as the final hooter sounded, they knocked on, sealing Kenya's victory.
With the win, Kenya sits second on the log with three points, trailing Uganda by point difference.
The Lionesses headed to the game eager to build on this strong start and, more importantly, get revenge against Belgium, who shattered their World Series playoff hopes last year with a 26-7 defeat in Poland.
Belgium wrapped up first round campaign in ninth place after edging Hong Kong China 19-12.
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