KENYA CLAIM WOMEN’S RUGBY SEVENS GOLD AFTER DRAMATIC EXTRA-TIME VICTORY OVER AUSTRALIA

 

By Mahlon Lichuma

Kenya’s Rising Lionesses made history at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, after defeating Australia in a thrilling women’s rugby sevens final to secure the gold medal.

Mitchelle Chemtai emerged as Kenya’s hero, scoring the decisive try in extra time to hand the Rising Lionesses a memorable victory over the tournament favourites at Complexe Iba Mar Diop.

Australia settled for silver, while Madagascar claimed bronze after defeating Czechia 26-10, becoming the first African nation to win an Olympic medal in any sport at the Youth Olympic Games.

The Kenyan youngsters displayed remarkable determination throughout the final, refusing to surrender despite facing a strong Australian side that had entered the contest as favourites.

Chemtai delivers decisive blow in extra time

Australia took an early lead through Darci Mackay, who broke through Kenya’s defence to score the opening try.

Kenya responded through Zain Hido, whose quick attack around the breakdown resulted in a try that brought the scores level at 5-5 heading into the break.

Both sides intensified their defensive efforts in the second half, with Australia's Layne Prince producing an important try-saving tackle to deny Kenya a potential breakthrough.

Grace Buchanan subsequently restored Australia's advantage, but the game took another turn when Billie Backus was shown a yellow card, giving Kenya an opportunity to fight back.

The Rising Lionesses capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Josephine Kerubo crossing the try line before Diana Wanjiku successfully converted to level the scores and force the match into extra time.

With the golden-point rule in effect, Kenya maintained their attacking pressure and eventually found space in Australia's defence. Chemtai finished the move with a decisive try to secure Kenya's historic gold medal.

Kenya overcame Madagascar to reach the final

Kenya booked their place in the final after overcoming Madagascar in the second semi-final.

Evalyne Afande opened the scoring before Michael Mmboga added another try to give Kenya a 10-0 advantage at half-time.

Madagascar responded through Sariaka Raveloarisoa, but Mmboga struck again to strengthen Kenya's position and secure a place in the gold medal contest.

Australia also secured their place in the final after defeating Czechia in the other semi-final.

Layne Prince and Darci Mackay scored early tries to give Australia an advantage, although Czechia responded through Zuzana Svabova and Roza Bednarova to reduce the deficit to 14-10 at half-time.

Prince later completed her brace in the second half to confirm Australia's progression to the final.

Madagascar make history with bronze

Madagascar capped an impressive campaign by defeating Czechia 26-10 in the bronze medal match.

Soa Landy, Princia Ranaivoson and Sariaka Raveloarisoa were among the players who contributed to the historic victory, earning their country a place on the podium.

Elsewhere, China defeated the United States to finish fifth, while Spain overcame hosts Senegal to secure seventh position.

The competition concluded after three days of action, with Kenya, Australia and Madagascar taking the women's podium positions.

Kenya's triumph marked a significant achievement for the country's youth rugby development, particularly considering that several members of the victorious squad had only started playing rugby approximately a year before the tournament.

The gold medal victory also underlined the growing potential of women's rugby in Kenya and the country's ability to compete against established international sides.