The 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup has taken clearer shape after the tournament’s top two teams, South Africa and Kenya, both won on Day 2 to set up a potentially thrilling decider on the final day on Sunday, May 31.
Defending champions South Africa shook off early trouble against Uganda, trailing 12-0 in the opening stages, to eventually emerge 47-20 victors with a strong second-half performance, before nearest rivals Kenya hammered Madagascar 57-0 later in the afternoon.
Uganda gave the record four-time champions a scare with two quick tries from inside-centre Peace Lekuru and winger Unity Namulala, as South Africa appeared to be struggling for rhythm at that stage.
A rare sight for South Africa during their dominance of this competition since its formation in 2019, the Springbok Women were guilty of a series of mistakes and unforced errors, and Uganda looked capable of capitalising to cause a major upset at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi.
But South Africa roared back with a try by debutant left winger Shaunique Alexander, who raced through on the outside to finish off Thandile Mazwi’s brilliant run.
Double try-scorer Alichia Arries added a second five-pointer for South Africa and her first of the match, with centre Jakkie Cilliers converting to level the scores at 12-12.
The Bok Women led for the first time in the game when the outstanding number eight Logan Welman powered over. The lively Mazwi was again involved, her strong running and delightful offloading setting up the Bok Women back-rower.
Uganda did not trouble the scorers again in the first half and trailed South Africa 19-12 at the break.
Fullback Thamie Yeko and inside-centre Naima Hlatshwayo scored tries early in the second half as the Bok Women pulled away from Uganda for the first time in the game.
Uganda defended well for a period until replacement Faith Tshauke increased the lead for the champions after coming on at the end of a lineout drive.
Winger Arries then completed her brace by crossing out wide, before Bushira Namutebi’s penalty goal for Uganda reduced the arrears, albeit too late.
In the second match, hosts Kenya were clinical in their 57-0 rout of Madagascar, who were hardly in the game from the outset.
Flanker Nelly Chikombe went over after some patient play by Kenya, who drew in the Madagascar defence for the Lionesses flanker to score early.
Speedy winger Stella Wafula added another try from a line break.
Chikombe then grabbed her second after the Lionesses made use of their powerful pack of forwards, with the Kenyan number six scoring from a maul.
The livewire Faith Lavoi showed good awareness, spotting a gap to add another try for Kenya before half time, giving her side a commanding 25-0 lead at the break. It was all Kenya in the second half.
Winger Freshia Oduor, who is enjoying a wonderful tournament, scored two tries. Flyhalf Moreen Muritu, another in-form player, also got onto the scoresheet.
Wafula scored again in the second half to complete her brace, while replacements Knight Owoma and Edith Nariaka also joined the party.
Kenya will take on South Africa on the final day on Sunday, May 31 with the winner of that game crowned African champions for 2026 in the premier format of the game.
Uganda and Madagascar is also a high-stakes affair, with the losing side to be relegated from the top-tier Women’s Africa Cup to the Women’s Cup Division One.
Where to watch?
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
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 vs Madagascar
- 16:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
SOURCE: RUGBY AFRICA
