SHUJAA CROWNED 2026 AFRICA SEVENS CHAMPIONS AFTER STUNNING MADAGASCAR COMEBACK

Kenya’s national men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, have been crowned 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens champions after defeating Madagascar 15–12 in a dramatic final at the SPARC International Rugby Stadium in Mauritius.

The victory capped an extraordinary turnaround for Kenya, who had suffered a heavy 26–0 defeat to the same Madagascar side in their final Pool B match less than 24 hours earlier.

Shujaa had started their campaign strongly, defeating Namibia 34–12 in their opening match before overcoming Réunion 19–0. The two victories secured their place in the semi-finals despite the heavy loss to Madagascar, with Kenya finishing second in Pool B.

The semi-final presented another major challenge as Kenya faced continental powerhouse South Africa. Shujaa responded emphatically, producing one of their strongest performances of the tournament to beat the Springboks 15–0 and book their place in the final. Gabriel Ayimba scored twice, while Victor Mola added another try as Kenya kept South Africa scoreless throughout the contest.

The final against Madagascar was a much closer affair.

Madagascar opened the scoring with an unconverted try before Kenya responded through Rayvone, who scored and converted to put Shujaa ahead. Ayimba then added another try as Kenya built momentum.

Madagascar fought back with a converted try to level the contest at 12–12, setting up a tense finish. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match appeared destined for extra time.

At just 22 years old, Glacious Nganya Owino stepped forward and calmly converted a late penalty to give Kenya a 15–12 victory and seal the continental title.
The triumph also marked Shujaa’s first Mauritius Sevens title after finishing sixth in 2024 and fourth in 2025. It was another significant achievement for a side that has continued to blend experienced players with emerging talent.

Shujaa will not have much time to celebrate, with the team set to return to action at the 28th edition of the Safari 7s at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11.

Kenya will enter the tournament as defending champions and have been placed in Pool A alongside Uganda, SportPesa Forward 7s and Scotland. The tournament will feature 12 men's teams and six women's teams.

The Safari 7s will also provide head coach Kevin Wambua with another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the next HSBC Sevens Series campaign. Wambua is expected to trim his provisional squad from 33 to 25 players after the tournament, with competition for places expected to intensify as Kenya prepares for the global sevens season, which kicks off in January.

For Shujaa, the immediate challenge is therefore to turn their Mauritius success into sustained momentum. The victory over Madagascar demonstrated the team's resilience, while the emergence of younger players such as Owino gives Kenya further options as it looks ahead to the international season.

After overcoming a 26–0 setback, defeating South Africa 15–0 and then edging Madagascar 15–12 in the final, Shujaa leave Mauritius as African champions  and with renewed confidence heading into the next chapter of their season.