Nairobi, Kenya | November 7, 2026

Kenya Lionesses made an impressive start to the 2026 Africa Women's Sevens Championship after recording two victories against Ghana and Tunisia at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday.

Playing in front of their home supporters, the Lionesses opened their campaign with a 25-7 victory over Ghana before following it up with a commanding 19-0 win against Tunisia in their second Pool B encounter.

Kenya began their opening match against Ghana on the front foot, with Freshia Oduor crossing the try line to give the hosts an early advantage. However, Ghana responded by exploiting a defensive lapse, scoring and converting a try to take a 7-5 lead.

Janet Okello restored Kenya's advantage with a try following a series of passes from the right wing, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The Lionesses went into the half-time break holding a narrow 10-7 lead.

Kenya returned with greater attacking intensity in the second half, putting Ghana under sustained pressure. Okello extended the advantage with her second try of the match after capitalising on a loose ball, completing her brace.

The hosts continued to press forward before substitute Catherine Elizabeth crossed the try line late in the contest to complete the 25-7 victory.

The opening result gave Kenya an important boost ahead of their second encounter against Tunisia, where they produced an even stronger defensive performance.

Judith Auma opened the scoring after an attacking move involving Moreen Muritu, giving the hosts an early 5-0 advantage. Tunisia struggled to break through Kenya's defence, allowing the Lionesses to maintain their lead until half-time.

Kenya extended their advantage in the second half after regaining possession through a turnover. Freshia Oduor capitalised on the opportunity to score the hosts' second try before adding the conversion to make it 12-0.

Substitute Catherine Elizabeth then completed the scoring with Kenya's third try, while Sinaida Mokaya added the conversion to seal the 19-0 victory.

The contest also tested Kenya's defensive discipline, with the hosts temporarily reduced to six players following a yellow card. However, they maintained their organisation and prevented Tunisia from getting on the scoreboard. Tunisia also received a yellow card later in the match.

The two victories placed Kenya at the top of Pool B with maximum points, securing their progression to Sunday's quarter-finals with an unbeaten group-stage record.

The two-day tournament, running from November 7 to 8, has brought together 11 national teams competing for continental honours at the Nairobi venue.

Kenya's campaign carries additional significance, with the competition offering an opportunity to secure a place in the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition. South Africa, who already have a place in the higher SVNS 2 division, are excluded from the continental qualification race, leaving the highest-finishing team outside South Africa to claim the available African qualification spot.

South Africa remain among the strongest contenders for the continental title, having dominated women's sevens rugby in Africa in recent years. The defending champions defeated Kenya 22-0 in last year's final.

For the Lionesses, however, their opening performances have provided encouragement as they seek to take advantage of home support, challenge for the African crown and secure a return to the international sevens pathway.

Kenya will now turn their attention to Sunday's quarter-finals, where they will look to maintain their winning form as the competition enters its decisive knockout stage.