Shujaa Crowned Africa Sevens Champions
Kenya’s national men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, have been crowned 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series champions after defeating Madagascar 15-12 in a thrilling final in Mauritius.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the Kenyan side, who had suffered a heavy 26-0 defeat to Madagascar during the pool stage just a day earlier.
Instead of allowing that result to derail their campaign, Kenya responded strongly when it mattered most.
The triumph also marked Kenya’s seventh African men’s sevens title, extending their record on the continent.
Shujaa Bounce Back After Madagascar Defeat
The tournament had started positively for Kenya.
The team defeated Namibia 34-12 before recording another convincing 19-0 victory over Réunion.
However, Madagascar produced a major shock in Kenya’s final pool match, winning 26-0 and finishing ahead of the East Africans in Pool B.
That defeat meant Kenya had to regroup quickly before the knockout stages.
The response was impressive.
In the semi-final, Kenya faced South Africa, one of the strongest sides in African rugby sevens. Shujaa produced a disciplined performance to secure a commanding 15-0 victory and book their place in the final.
Dramatic Final Against Madagascar
The final gave Kenya an immediate opportunity to respond to their earlier defeat.
Madagascar opened the scoring with an unconverted try, putting pressure on the Kenyan side early in the contest.
Kenya soon found their answer through Rayvone Ambale.
Ambale scored Kenya’s opening try and converted it, giving the East Africans the advantage.
Gabriel Ayimba then added another try as Kenya increased their lead.
Madagascar, however, refused to surrender.
The islanders fought back and eventually levelled the contest at 12-12, setting up a tense finish.
Glacious Owino Delivers the Winning Moment
With the match tied and the title hanging in the balance, Kenya needed one decisive moment.
That moment came from 22-year-old Glacious Nganya Owino.
The young player stepped forward to take a late penalty and kept his composure under intense pressure.
His successful kick put Kenya ahead 15-12.
The team then held on during the closing moments to secure the championship and complete one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks.
For Owino, the moment was particularly significant after making his international debut at the tournament.
His selection had been part of Kenya’s effort to combine experienced players with emerging talent.
A Remarkable Turnaround
The Mauritius tournament became a story of resilience for the Kenyan team.
They went from suffering a 26-0 defeat against Madagascar to beating South Africa 15-0 and then overcoming the same Madagascar side 15-12 in the final.
That turnaround demonstrated the team’s ability to recover quickly from disappointment.
The victory also ended Kenya’s wait for the Mauritius Sevens title. Kenya had finished sixth in 2024 and fourth in 2025 before finally lifting the trophy this year.
Shujaa Look Ahead to Safari Sevens
The continental triumph gives Kenya valuable momentum heading into its next assignment on home soil.
The 28th Safari Sevens is scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11, 2026.
Kenya enters that competition as the defending champion after winning four consecutive Safari Sevens titles, according to K24.
The Mauritius victory therefore comes at an important time for the national sevens programme.
With experienced players and emerging stars such as Owino gaining confidence, Kenya will be hoping to carry the same energy into the home tournament.
Kenya Celebrate Another Rugby Milestone
The 15-12 victory over Madagascar will be remembered for more than the final score.
It was a comeback after a painful pool-stage defeat.
It was also another continental title for Kenyan rugby.
Most importantly, the performance showed the character of a team capable of responding when under pressure.
After leaving Mauritius as African champions, the Kenyan side now has another opportunity to impress fans on home soil.