Kenya Lionesses secured a strong 20-5 victory against Samoa in their Challenger Series opener, driven by Grace Adhiambo’s hat-trick. The match showcased strong defense and strategic plays, with Kenya maintaining momentum throughout. This victory builds confidence as they aim to improve upon previous near-misses in the series.
The Kenya Lionesses commenced their Challenger Series journey with a resounding 20-5 victory against Samoa on March 1 in Cape Town. Grace Adhiambo emerged as the star of the match, scoring a remarkable hat-trick to ensure a strong opening for her team. While Kenya initially struggled for possession, Adhiambo’s standout performance paved the way for the victory.
The match opened with Adhiambo’s kick-off, but Samoa quickly applied pressure, making it difficult for Kenya to establish control. A crucial tackle by Adhiambo halted Samoa’s momentum, leading to a scrum that allowed Kenya to regain possession. Although they encountered a setback with a missed pass from Sharon Auma, a swift turnover led to Adhiambo’s first try of the match, putting Kenya ahead 5-0.
Kenya’s solid defense disrupted Samoa’s possession, and they nearly increased their lead. However, Samoa’s indiscipline resulted in a yellow card, and a misplaced lineout granted Kenya a scrum. Just before halftime, Adhiambo scored again, extending Kenya’s advantage to 10-0 at the break.
The second half saw Samoa capitalize on Kenya’s errors to score their first try. Nevertheless, Kenya quickly countered with Naomi Amuguni completing a well-executed try, bringing the score to 15-5. Adhiambo then secured her hat-trick in impressive fashion, slicing through Samoa’s defense to seal the victory.
Despite Samoa’s attempts to respond belatedly, the match concluded with Kenya demonstrating their dominance over Samoa. This victory builds upon their previous win of 31-5 against the same team at last year’s Olympic repechage tournament. The Lionesses are driven by their previous narrow loss to South Africa in the Challenger Series final, and this victory signifies a strong start toward their goal of success.
In summary, the Kenya Lionesses launched their Challenger Series with a decisive victory over Samoa. Grace Adhiambo’s exceptional performance, scoring a hat-trick, was pivotal in the match. The Lionesses’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on opportunities reflects their determination to succeed this year, motivated by their past experiences in the series. This commanding win sets a strong tone for their campaign ahead.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
