Sinaida Nyachio dazzles as Kenya Lionesses power past Belgium

The Kenya Lionesses kick started their third HSBC Challenger Series campaign in style following a commanding 12-0 victory over Belgium in their opening pool match on Friday, 11 April in Krakow, Poland.

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Braving the biting 5°C cold, the Lionesses displayed grit and flair, cementing their position as tournament favorites after topping the overall standings with 40 points from their stellar performances in the opening two legs in Cape Town.

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Belgium had the first kick-off, but it was Kenya who seized the early momentum. Maureen Muritu's powerful carry set the tone as the Lionesses looked to impose themselves.

The Western European nation briefly regained control after a failed chase from Kenya, but a loose pass swung possession back to the East Africans.

The Lionesses fed off the energy from the stands amid the roar of Kenyan spectators chanting, “Wakenya msilale bado mapambano (Kenyans don't sleep, the fight is still on)."

Belgium’s Margaux Allard was sent to the sin bin, reducing her side to six players and giving Kenya a numerical advantage.

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Judith Okumu threatened in Belgium’s green zone but was pushed into touch. Belgium tried to play for territory with a kick, but a crooked lineout saw Kenya earn a scrum. The Lionesses thought they had opened the scoring, only for their effort to be ruled out.

With Belgium infringing once more, Kenya regained possession and finally broke the deadlock. Sinaida Nyachio, who would go on to be the star of the match, crossed over for the opening try and expertly converted it to give Kenya a 7-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Kenya kick off with intent. Despite a few handling errors, their defensive discipline stood out, especially against Belgium’s structured and physical style.

Belgium dominated possession and put together a string of impressive offloads but could not penetrate the solid Kenyan defense.

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As the final hooter sounded, it looked like Kenya would settle for a narrow win. But they had other ideas.

Pressing Belgium into making late errors, it was once again Nyachio who pounced, sealing the game with her second try and completing a 12-0 shutout.

With this strong start, the Lionesses now shift focus to their next pool match against Thailand, scheduled for 3:20 PM (EAT).