Kenya Lionesses lose to South Africa in thrilling Rugby Africa Women’s 7s final

Kenya Lionesses’ quest to reclaim continental glory ended in heartbreak on Sunday afternoon as they fell 22–0 to a ruthless South Africa in the final of the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The hosts, unbeaten throughout the tournament, had been eyeing their second title following their historic triumph in 2018. But despite strong home support and impressive form leading into the decider, the Lionesses were unable to break down a South African side that completed the tournament without conceding a single point.

Earlier, the Lionesses had been pushed to their limits in the semifinals, narrowly defeating regional rivals Uganda 17–10.

The Lady Cranes made an early statement as Peace Lekuru powered over for the opening try, giving Uganda a 5–0 lead. Kenya responded almost immediately, with Freshia Oduor capitalising on quick ball movement to slice through and level the score. Oduor added a second try to give Kenya a 10–5 halftime advantage.

Uganda hit back after the break, with Lekuru scoring her second try to tie the match at 10–10. With time running out, Naomi Amuguni produced a decisive burst through midfield, grounding the ball for the winning try that sent Kenya into the final.

In the other semifinal, South Africa maintained their remarkable defensive record with a commanding 29–0 victory over Madagascar. Simamkele Namba, Maria Tshiremba, and Zintle Mpupha all crossed the line as Cecil Afrika’s side dominated both possession and territory, extending the Springboks’ streak of not conceding a single point in the tournament.

In the final, Kenya controlled 62 per cent of possession but struggled to convert pressure into points. Handling errors and penalties repeatedly halted their momentum, and for the first time in the competition, the Lionesses failed to enter South Africa’s 22.

South Africa, meanwhile, were devastatingly efficient, scoring four tries from their four entries into Kenya’s danger zone. Their organisation, pace, and physicality kept the hosts on the back foot throughout the match.

The 22–0 win gave the Springboks a record-extending 10th Africa Women’s 7s crown, cementing their dominance after also winning last year’s edition.

For the Lionesses, the runner-up finish marks their seventh silver medal in the competition’s history, continuing a run that includes back-to-back final losses in 2023 and 2024.

South Africa’s victory also secures their place in the SVNS Series Division Three Challenger event in Dubai in January, where they will compete for promotion to the global series.

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