Kenya Lionesses Secure Third Consecutive Africa Women's 7s Final Spot Against South Africa

The Kenya Lionesses are through to yet another Rugby Africa Women’s 7s final after a nerve-shredding 17–10 victory over arch-rivals Uganda in a tension-filled semi-final on Sunday afternoon at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

Naomi Amuguni was the hero of the day, scoring a last-minute try to send Kenya into their third straight continental final against South Africa. The Lionesses, appearing in their 10th final, are chasing only their second-ever Africa 7s crown, while the Springbok Women aim to extend their dominance with a record 12th title.

The win capped off an impressive day for the hosts, who earlier dispatched Zimbabwe 33–12 in the quarterfinals — a match that marked the first time the Lionesses had conceded a point all tournament.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Kenya set the tone early in the morning quarters, needing just two minutes to break through Zimbabwe’s press. Freshia Odour’s blistering pace opened the scoring, before rising star Nelly Chikombe continued her dream debut weekend with her third try of the tournament.

Grace Okulu converted one of the early scores as Kenya went 12–0 up, and Odour grabbed her second try after a brilliant setup from Faith Livoi, sending the Lionesses into halftime with a dominant 19–0 lead.

Zimbabwe briefly clawed back through Kudazai Wasili and Nokitenda Shoriwa, becoming the first team to breach Kenya’s previously flawless defence.

But Odour — completing her hat-trick — and Phoebe Akinyi responded decisively to seal a 33–12 win and set up an East African derby date with Uganda.

The semifinal lived up to its billing, with Uganda striking first after sustained pressure inside Kenya’s 22. Captain Peace Lekuru powered her way over the line to give the Lady Cranes an early advantage.

Kenya hit back almost immediately. A clever offload from Janet Okello released Odour — one of the tournament’s standout performers — to level the match at 5–5. Moments before halftime, Odour punished a Ugandan handling error, scooping up the loose ball and sprinting clear to hand Kenya a 10–5 halftime lead.

Uganda refused to fade, and Lekuru struck again early in the second half to tie the scores at 10–10, throwing the contest into a nail-biting final stretch.

With extra time looming, the home crowd erupted as Naomi Amuguni bulldozed her way between the posts for the decisive try. Grace Okulu added the extras, sealing a hard-fought 17–10 win and sparking wild celebrations from the Kenyan bench.

The Lionesses will now face the reigning champions South Africa in Monday’s final — a fixture that has become the defining rivalry of African women’s rugby. The two sides met in last year’s final, where South Africa edged Kenya 17–10 in Accra to claim their 11th title.

Uganda, meanwhile, will compete for bronze against Madagascar after falling short of securing promotion to the HSBC Challenger Series — an opportunity South Africa now targets. Kenya’s slot in the global second-tier circuit is already guaranteed.