Kenya have created one of Africa’s greatest moments in Youth Olympic Games history after stunning favourites Australia 17-12 in extra time to clinch gold in the women’s rugby sevens competition.
With the odds stacked against them against a more experienced Australian side that had beaten them 17-5 earlier in the day in their final pool match, Kenya produced a powerful performance in the final, built on the physicality that had been a hallmark of their game throughout the tournament.
As they had done earlier against fellow Africans Madagascar in the semi-finals, Kenya denied Australia the opportunity to flourish with ball in hand. Their powerful forward pack outmuscled and dominated their opponents at key moments, winning crucial turnovers.
Kenya responded each time Australia took the lead, with Mitchelle Chemtai eventually scoring in the corner to seal a famous victory for the East Africans in golden-point extra time.
It appeared Australia would overcome Kenya again when Darci Mackay opened the scoring with an early try, as the favourites looked to move the ball quickly across the field to counter Kenya’s physical game.
But Kenya were unfazed, as the robust Zain Hido powered through to make it 5-5 at half-time.
Grace Buchanan finished off a flowing Australian attack in the second half as her side regained the lead. But as the clock ticked down and Australia looked on course for gold, Josephine Kerubo dotted down for Kenya, with Diana Wanjiku adding the conversion to make it 12-12 and send the thriller into extra time.
Then up stepped Chemtai, cool as you like, to send the Rising Lionesses into dreamland with a well-worked team try that secured gold for Kenya.
Earlier, there was another African celebration as Madagascar defeated Czechia 26-10 to win bronze.
The African islanders were in top form once again, full of speed and intent, playing a brand of rugby that endeared them to the vociferous crowd at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop.
The outstanding Sariaka Raveloarisoa crossed the whitewash twice, while Soa Landy and Princia Ranaivoson also scored.
Eliska Cerina and Roza Bednarova went over for a try each as the European side went down fighting.
The remarkable successes of Kenya and Madagascar in the women’s competition mean African rugby finishes the Youth Olympic Games with gold, silver and bronze medals – an extraordinary achievement for the game on the continent.
The historic occasion was witnessed by Rugby Africa President and World Rugby Chair of Regional Associations Herbert Mensah, who was present alongside World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin. Their presence reflected the shared commitment of Rugby Africa and World Rugby to the growth of the game across the continent.
On Monday, South Africa reached the final of the men’s competition but lost the gold medal match 26-19 to France, securing silver.
