KENYA LIONESSES MAKE HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT WIN
The Kenya Lionesses have etched their names in history, claiming their first-ever international tournament victory by winning the 1st leg of the 2025 Challenger Series. The Lionesses defeated Argentina 17-12 in a thrilling final to be crowned champions.
The Lionesses showcased sheer dominance from the start, putting up an outstanding performance in the pool stages. They kicked off their campaign with a commanding 20-5 victory over Samoa, before delivering a resounding 29-7 triumph against Poland. These impressive wins secured their place in the semi-finals, where they faced the hosts, South Africa.
In a hard-fought and intense semi-final clash, the Lionesses demonstrated remarkable resilience, edging out South Africa 19-15 to book their place in the final. Despite the challenge posed by the South American side, Kenya stood tall and sealed a 17-12 victory over Argentina to claim the coveted title.
Head Coach Dennis Mwanja praised his team’s determination and mental fortitude throughout the tournament, stating:
“The pool games were not as easy as they seemed, but the ladies proved resilient, winning all their matches. The semi-final against South Africa was a mental game, and after beating them on home soil, we knew nothing could stop us. The final was physically manageable, but the girls struggled mentally due to complacency. Nevertheless, we pushed through to secure the victory. We are now focused on another podium finish this weekend. This is a great milestone for the team, as we have never achieved such a feat before. This might be the best Lionesses team ever.”
With this momentum, the team now shifts its focus to the next leg of the Challenger Series, aiming for another stellar performance.