Kenya leads Africa’s rugby breakthrough with historic Dakar gold

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

Kenya’s Rising Lionesses made history at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, winning the women’s rugby sevens gold medal after edging Australia 17-12 in a dramatic sudden-death final.

The triumph marked the first time an African nation had won Olympic rugby sevens gold and Kenya’s first gold medal in a team sport at an Olympic event.

Australia led 5-0 before Kenya captain Zain Mohammed levelled matters at half-time. The Australians moved 12-5 ahead after the break, but Kenya refused to surrender.

Josephine Kerubo’s try and Diana Wanjiku’s conversion forced extra time at 12-12. Mitchelle Chemtai then delivered the golden-point try to seal the historic victory.

“In the first half, the game was tough,” said the Kenyan captain.

Head coach Knight Otuoma believes the triumph demonstrates the growing depth of women’s rugby in Kenya and offers an encouraging outlook for the sport’s future.

“It’s been a tough tournament, but we had prepared well. I just told the girls to go in and have fun, this means that Kenya Rugby we have depth…we have numbers, the future of rugby is bright.”

Kenya’s success was part of a memorable African showing. Madagascar’s Ladies Makis claimed bronze after beating Czechia 26–10, securing their country’s first-ever Olympic medal. The Malagasy side had topped their pool unbeaten before losing 15–5 to Kenya in the semi-finals.

South Africa’s men’s team also reached the final but settled for silver after a 26–19 defeat to France. The young Blitzboks had beaten Argentina 24–12 in the semi-finals.

For the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), the achievement carries significance beyond the rugby field.

“This win means a lot for us as a country, us as Africa, and us as the Olympic movement fraternity in Kenya. This being the first Olympics in Africa and us Kenyans being the first country to win in a team sport on the African soil shows that we have the skill, we have the talent, and of course with the necessary support, beating a team like Australia was not easy, we were very worried, and because of the tenacity our ladies had, we managed to win,” said John Onyango Ogolla, NOCK Secretary General.

Three African nations on the rugby podium underscored the continent’s emerging talent, with Dakar providing a historic platform for the next generation of African rugby.

Marabou News Agency

Editor: George Mutero

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