Kenya Lionesses seal top spot in Pool A with gritty extra-time victory

Kenya Lionesses booked their place in the Challenger Series semifinals after a nerve-wracking 10-5 victory over Uganda in an intense East African derby played at Athlone Stadium, South Africa, on Friday, March 7.

Fresh off a 17-10 win over Belgium in their opening pool match, the Lionesses entered the contest with confidence.

Uganda, however, proved to be a stubborn opponent, pushing Kenya to the limit in a game filled with physicality, penalties, and dramatic extra-time action.

Uganda kicked off the match, and Kenya retained possession. Sharon Auma almost broke through but was stopped by Uganda’s solid defense, lacking support at a crucial moment.

Uganda’s Samiya Ayikoru was soon sent to the sin bin for foul play, reducing her team to six players.

Kenya took advantage of the numerical superiority, and Grace Adhiambo powered over for the opening try, though the conversion was off target.

Kenya, however, failed to control the restart, allowing Uganda to gain possession.

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The Ugandans' physicality paid off when Lydia Namabiru fended off Sinaida Nyachio to level the scores at 5-5.

The Lionesses struggled to regain control, and Uganda forced a turnover just before halftime, denying Kenya any momentum.

Kenya started the second half with a brilliant kick-off, immediately regaining possession. However, a missed pass halted their attacking momentum.

Uganda continued to challenge the Lionesses, forcing another turnover.

The game took a dramatic turn when Kenya received a yellow card, leaving both teams with six players.

Nyachio attempted to clear Kenya’s danger zone, and the Lionesses opted for a penalty kick, but her attempt to split the posts was unsuccessful.

With the hooter sounding at full-time and the scores still tied at 5-5, the match proceeded to extra time.

Kenya won the coin toss and earned the restart but failed to control the ball, forcing a lineout.

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Uganda’s lapse in concentration at the set-piece gave Kenya an opportunity, and Freshia Oduor kicked the ball forward in an attempt to chase it down. However, Peace Lekuru cleared it into touch.

Uganda’s discipline crumbled in extra time, receiving a red card and then another yellow, reducing them to just five players against Kenya’s seven.

The numerical advantage proved decisive as Naomi Amuguni surged forward to score the match-winning try, sealing Kenya’s place in the semifinals.

With the win, the Lionesses top the pool with six points, while Uganda sits in second place with four.

The victory also reinforces Kenya’s dominance over their regional rivals, having previously beaten Uganda 19-0 in the Africa Cup 7s semifinals to secure Challenger Series qualification.