South Africa Crowned Champions of Africa for a Record Fifth Time as Kenya and Uganda Survive While Madagascar Are Relegated in Nairobi
South Africa beat Kenya 35-20 to be crowned 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup champions, while Uganda secured survival with a 46-12 victory over Madagascar, condemning the Lady Makis to relegation in Nairobi. (Copyright-free images, highlights, and fixtures available below)
NAIROBI, Kenya – Unstoppable South Africa have beaten Kenya 35-20 in a nail-biting thriller to retain their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title, while Uganda defeated Madagascar 46-12 to keep their place in the top tier as the islanders suffered relegation.
In the decider at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, the hosts Kenya stood toe-to-toe with South Africa for the greater part of the game, even leading the record champions 8-7 at half-time.
The Springbok Women were the first to score after winger Alichia Arries crashed over following a period of sustained pressure.
Kenya hit back immediately after centre Faith Livoi chased down a kick to cross the try-line before flyhalf Sinaida Nyachio’s penalty gave the Lionesses the lead at the break.
Outside-centre Naima Hlatshwayo restored South Africa’s lead after going over for the five-pointer to finish off strong carries by the forwards.
Number eight Logan Welman then powered through to extend the Bok Women’s lead.
Jakkie Cilliers, switched from centre to wing for this match, was then sent through on the outside to score after a pick-and-go move.
But Kenya, who have done well over the years to reduce the gap between themselves and the South Africans, admirably fought back again in front of a partisan home crowd.
Substitute Knight Otwoma came at the end of a quick tap-and-go move to reduce the arrears before number 10 Nyachio brought the Kenyans right back into the game when she sliced through the outside for a try of her own.
With the score at 22-20 in favour of South Africa in the last eight minutes of the tie, Kenya looked like they could finally break the Bok Women’s iron grip on the competition.
Two penalties by Cilliers, however, swung the game back in the South Africans’ favour.
There was still a chance for Kenya to stay in contention for their first title, but substitute Nobuhle Mjwara put the game beyond doubt after she pushed over the line from a rolling maul just before the full-time hooter.
Earlier in the day, Uganda survived relegation with a commanding win over Madagascar, coming from behind after the Lady Makis scored the first try through flanker Rojoniaina Rafanomezantosa.
Captain and number eight Angella Nanyongo then replied for Uganda with a try before a quick brace by fullback Mastula Nambozo put the Lady Cranes firmly in control.
Winger Unity Namulala grabbed two tries as well, with centre Peace Lekuru also getting onto the scoresheet to complete a comfortable win for Uganda despite Valisoa Razanakiniaina’s breakaway second-half try for Madagascar.
The Malagasy have now been demoted to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One.
Tunisia, recently promoted to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division, will replace Madagascar in the premier division next year.
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Where to watch?
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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 (47) vs Uganda (20)
- 16:00 – Kenya (57) vs Madagascar (0)
Match Day 3: Sunday 31 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – Uganda (46) vs Madagascar (12)
- 16:00 – South Africa (35) vs Kenya (20)
Written by Enock Muchinjo
