Kenya finished third at the Africa Women’s Sevens at RFUEA Grounds.
Uganda beat Kenya 19-12 in the semi-finals before claiming their first continental title, while the Lionesses defeated Zimbabwe to finish third.
Kenya’s Lionesses finished third at the Africa Women’s Sevens but missed qualification for the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai. Uganda ended the hosts’ hopes with a 19-12 semi-final victory at the RFUEA Grounds.
The Lionesses then beat Zimbabwe 27-7 in the bronze-medal match. However, Uganda secured the tournament’s only Dubai qualification place and defeated Tunisia 33-0 to claim their first continental title.
The Lady Cranes will represent Africa at the global competition next month. Kenya had hoped home advantage would help them secure a return to the international sevens series.
Uganda claim first Africa Women’s Sevens crown
Peace Lekuru scored twice against Kenya in the semi-final, while Tina Akello added another try. Lekuru, Uganda’s first female professional rugby player, played a central role in ending the Lionesses’ qualification campaign.
The result also marked Uganda’s first victory over Kenya since their triumph in the 2023 Safari Sevens final. They carried that momentum into the title match against Tunisia.
Lydia Namabiro opened the scoring in the final, and Akello’s conversion gave Uganda a 7-0 lead. Namabiro then scored again as the Lady Cranes moved 14-0 ahead despite having a player in the sin bin.
After the break, Susan Adong added another try to extend Uganda’s advantage. A further yellow card reduced their numbers again, but Tunisia could not capitalise.
Namabiro completed her hat-trick before Gertrude Kateesa returned from the sin bin to score the final try. Uganda conceded tries in only two matches throughout their title-winning campaign.
Lionesses recover to beat Zimbabwe
Kenya, meanwhile, responded to the semi-final setback with five tries against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off. Sheila Chajira, Nelly Chikombe and Sinaida Mokaya crossed during the first half to put the hosts in control.
Zimbabwe replied through Chiwoniso Mabika, but the Lionesses still held a comfortable advantage at half-time. Kenya continued pressing after the restart, with Catherine Elizabeth adding another try.
Stellah Wafula then crossed to complete the 27-7 victory and secure bronze for the hosts. Although Kenya ended their home tournament with a win, they must wait for another opportunity to enter the HSBC SVNS pathway.
