Lionesses roar past Poland to secure HSBC Challenger Series semifinal spot
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 01.03.25. | 22:00
Heading into the game, Kenya had already set the tone with a 20-5 victory over Samoa in their opening Pool match
Kenya Lionesses stormed into the HSBC Challenger Series semifinals in commanding fashion after securing a 29-5 victory over Poland in a physically intense encounter played on Saturday, 1 March at the Athlone Sports Stadium in South Africa.
The win not only cemented their dominance in the competition but also avenged their previous loss to Poland in last year's Challenger Series semi-finals in Krakow, Poland.
Heading into the game, Kenya had already set the tone with a 20-5 victory over Samoa in their opening Pool match.
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Poland, tied with Kenya on three points but trailing on point difference, sought to challenge the Lionesses' early momentum.
With referee Hibiki Ikeda officiating, Poland got things underway with the kickoff.
Kenya wasted no time asserting their presence, bringing immense physicality to the contest. Stellah Wafula ignited the attack, setting up Freshia Oduor for the first try of the match.
However, the conversion attempt fell short, keeping Kenya's lead at 5-0.
Poland responded almost immediately, capitalizing on space out wide for a try under the posts. A successful conversion gave Poland a 7-5 lead.
Kenya, undeterred, continued pressing forward. Grace Adhiambo created space before a well-worked breakdown allowed Stella Wafula to cross the whitewash for the Lionesses’ second try.
The conversion, once again, was off target, but Kenya regained the lead at 10-7.
Poland had an opportunity to counter after a knock-on from Kenya's scrum, but the Lionesses’ defensive structure held firm.
A handling error from Poland closed out the first half, with Kenya maintaining their narrow lead.
The second half saw Kenya step up their game. Oduor shrugged off defenders to break through Poland’s defensive line, securing her second try of the match. This time, the conversion was good, extending Kenya’s advantage.
Fatigue started creeping in for both sides, but Kenya kept pushing. Grace Adhiambo nearly added another try, but a lack of support saw Poland force a turnover.
However, the Lionesses were relentless. Judith Okumu, the talented scrum-half, spotted an opportunity and went over for Kenya’s fourth try. Oduor added the extras to stretch the lead to 24-7.
With the match winding down, Kenya gained possession five meters from Poland’s try line following a handling error.
A well-executed scrum set up Sinaida Mokaya, who powered over for the final try. The conversion attempt was off, but Kenya had already sealed a dominant 29-5 victory.
The Lionesses had previously edged out Poland 19-12 in a friendly match at the RFUEA Grounds three weeks prior, a confidence-boosting win ahead of this high-stakes tournament.
