
Kenya Lionesses make it back to back finals in HSBC Challenger Series after edging Colombia
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 08.03.25. | 17:26
The Kenya- Colombia rivalry has intensified over the years, with both teams enjoying their moments of triumph
The national senior women's rugby sevens side, the Kenya Lionesses, marked International Women’s Day in style, securing a hard-fought victory over Colombia to book their place in the HSBC Challenger Series final.
The tense semifinal clash, played on Saturday, 8 March at Athlone Stadium in South Africa, saw Kenya emerge 12-5 winners after a physical battle.
The match began with high intensity, with both teams showing determination. Colombia’s aggressive play led to multiple infringements, allowing Kenya to gain a crucial scrum.
Despite an initial missed kick, the Lionesses maintained possession.
From a well-executed scrum, Maureen Muritu set up Judith Okumu, who sprinted past the defense to score Kenya’s first try. However, the conversion fell short, keeping the score at 5-0.
Colombia responded almost immediately with an unconverted try, leveling the game at 5-5.
With momentum on their side, they attempted to break through Kenya’s defense, but a failed offload proved costly, as Okumu pounced on the loose ball to regain possession for the Lionesses.
As the clock wound down, Kenya earned another scrum, and this time, it was the fleet-footed Sharon Auma who produced a moment of brilliance.
With just two minutes to full-time, Auma darted through the Colombian defense to score the winning try, which was successfully converted, giving Kenya a 12-5 lead.
Colombia, desperate for an equalizer, dominated possession in the dying minutes, but the Lionesses held their ground.
Kenya’s resilience and physicality proved decisive, and when Sinaida Nyachio kicked the ball into touch, the referee blew the final whistle, sealing Kenya’s victory.
The Kenya- Colombia rivalry has intensified over the years, with both teams enjoying their moments of triumph.
In 2021, Kenya suffered a heartbreaking 16-15 loss to Colombia at Nyayo National Stadium, ending their Rugby World Cup qualification dreams.
However, the Lionesses got their revenge in 2023, defeating Colombia 21-5 in Dubai.









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