The Kenya Lionesses began their third HSBC Challenger Series campaign with a bang, securing an emphatic 12-0 victory over Belgium in their opening pool match on Friday, 11 April 2025, in Krakow, Poland. Led by the dazzling performance of Sinaida Nyachio, the Lionesses stamped their authority early on and never looked back, delivering a stunning shutout in a game that showcased their skill, speed, and resilience.
Kenya’s Dominant Start
The match, played in challenging 5°C temperatures, saw Belgium get the first kick-off. However, it was Kenya who quickly seized the momentum. Maureen Muritu’s powerful carry set the tone, as the Lionesses displayed their trademark intensity and determination from the outset. Despite Belgium briefly regaining control with a failed chase from Kenya, the ball was swiftly turned over, allowing the East African side to regain possession and begin their assault on Belgium’s defense.
Kenya’s relentless pressure paid off when Belgium’s Margaux Allard was sent to the sin bin for a reckless challenge, leaving her side with only six players on the field. This numerical advantage proved pivotal for the Lionesses, who capitalized on their extra player to intensify their offensive efforts. The crowd’s roar, fueled by Kenyan supporters chanting, “Wakenya msilale bado mapambano” (Kenyans don’t sleep, the fight is still on), inspired the team as they pushed forward with even more energy.
The Breakthrough Try
Despite a promising start, Kenya initially struggled to break through Belgium’s solid defense. After a few handling errors, they were frustrated by some of their own mistakes. However, the Lionesses showed patience and discipline. With Belgium making another mistake, Lionesses regained possession and launched a well-coordinated attack. Sinaida Nyachio, who was already showing signs of brilliance, broke the deadlock, scoring the first try of the match. She expertly converted her own try, giving Kenya a 7-0 lead at halftime.
The first half performance, although not flawless, showed the Lionesses’ adaptability and ability to stay composed under pressure. With their defense holding firm, they went into the break with a solid advantage.
Second Half: Kenya’s Strong Defense Holds Firm
As the second half began, Lionesses kicked off with renewed intent. Although the team faced a few more handling errors, their defense continued to shine. Belgium, known for their structured and physical style, had more possession in the second half and strung together several impressive offloads. However, they were unable to break down Kenya’s defense, which stood resolute throughout the game.
Kenya’s defensive discipline was evident, as they made several key tackles and forced Belgium into mistakes. The Lionesses were particularly effective in limiting Belgium’s attempts to gain territory and stop any attacking momentum. While Belgium’s physicality and offloads posed a challenge, the Kenyan defense stood strong, making crucial stops and forcing turnovers when needed.
Nyachio Seals the Victory
With the clock winding down and Kenya seemingly content to settle for a narrow 7-0 victory, Sinaida Nyachio had other plans. Once again, she pounced on a mistake from Belgium, capitalizing on a late error and scoring her second try of the game. Nyachio’s composure and eye for the opportunity ensured that Lionesses finished the match on a high, securing a dominant 12-0 win.
Her second try was the final nail in the coffin, as it sealed the game and ensured Lionesses took the full 12 points from the match. Nyachio’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning her the title of match MVP for her two tries and flawless conversion.
Kenya Lionesses’ Championship Hopes Continue
With this commanding victory, the Lionesses sent a clear message to the rest of the competition. Their dominant display against Belgium not only proved their superiority in this opening match but also strengthened their position as tournament favorites. The Lionesses, who topped the overall standings in the previous two legs of the HSBC Challenger Series in Cape Town, are looking to extend their dominance and secure their third consecutive title.
Kenya Lionesses have qualified for the playoffs, taking place in LA, early next month, giving them a chance to fight for the HSBC slot #Lionesses #SafaricomRugby #MpesaPowersKenya7s pic.twitter.com/nyH6FaQRwO
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) April 11, 2025
Next up for the Lionesses is a crucial pool match against Thailand, scheduled for 3:20 PM (EAT) on Saturday, 12 April 2025. With their spirits high and their defense looking rock solid, Lionesses will be eager to build on this impressive start and maintain their momentum as they continue their quest for another Challenger Series title.
As the Lionesses celebrate their victory, the team and their fans are already looking forward to the next challenge. With Sinaida Nyachio leading the way and a talented squad around her, the future looks bright for the team as they aim to continue their dominance on the world rugby stage. The road ahead is filled with potential, and the Lionesses are ready to take on whatever comes their way.
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