Hosts Kenya Beat Uganda as South Africa Begin Title Defence with Dominant Win
Defending champions South Africa defeated Madagascar 64–5, while hosts Kenya beat Uganda 43–10 in Nairobi at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
NAIROBI, Kenya –Defending champions South Africa launched their quest for a fifth title with a resounding 64-5 victory over Madagascar in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, as their nearest rivals Kenya overpowered Uganda 43-10.
The Springboks Women were too strong for the islanders, scoring 10 tries after Madagascar had been the first to cross the whitewash courtesy of winger Mialy Ravaoarinoro.
After Madagascar drew first blood, the South Africans turned on the style with enterprising backline play and sheer dominance in the forward pack.
Outside-centre Jackie Cilliers brought South Africa level after good work by winger Nomawethu Mabenge and fullback Chuma Qawe.
From there, it was one-way traffic. Winger Alichia Arries, on her comeback 15s international tournament after a five-year absence, opened the floodgates.
The rout was completed by five-pointers from Qawe, inside-centre Aphiwe Ngwevu, flyhalf Mary Zulu, prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, debutant number 8 Logan Welman, and replacement hooker Roseline Botes. Thandile Mazwi and Siphenathi Yeko rose from the bench to mark their debuts with tries of their own.
Cilliers was in top form with the boot to be named Player of the Match.
In the second match, hosts Kenya shrugged off the challenge of neighbours Uganda, finishing with a flourish in the second half after the Lady Cranes had restricted them to 22-10 at the break.
Kenya flyhalf Moreen Muritu burst through after a slick backline move to dive over for the first try.
Uganda, however, quickly replied when flanker Cabrine Kirabo powered over the try-line after a number of phases from a maul.
At that time, the match appeared to be heading towards a hotly contested encounter between two teams that know each other well.
Winger Stella Wafula didn’t take long to make Kenya’s intentions clear, restoring the lead after a Uganda mis-kick.
Fullback and Player of the Match Freshia Oduor then showed a clean pair of heels to score, taking advantage of a lapse by Uganda, who had pushed up their defence too far to support the attack.
On debut, winger Tracey Montex then dotted down for a try to finish off a mazy run by Janet Okello.
Scrumhalf Sinaida Nyachio put in a solid shift with the kicking tee for the Kenyans.
In the second half, the outstanding Livoi got on the scoresheet to make good use of a strong carry by captain and tight-head prop Natasha Emali.
Substitute Jascenta Musakili’s try and Oduor’s second of the day sealed a comfortable win for the Kenyan Lionesses.
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Match Day 1: Saturday 23 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa (64) vs Madagascar (5)
- 16:00 – Kenya (43) vs Uganda (10)
Match Day 2: Wednesday 27 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa vs Uganda
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar
Match Day 3: Sunday 31 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – Uganda vs Madagascar
- 16:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
Written by Enock Muchinjo
