Kenya’s Rising Lionesses made history after defeating Australia 17–12 in extra time to win gold in the women’s rugby sevens competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The Kenyan side produced a remarkable performance on November 3, 2026, to overcome Australia in a thrilling final, securing a historic gold medal through a decisive golden try in extra time.
The highly competitive encounter ended 12–12 at full-time, forcing the two sides into extra time, where Kenya showed remarkable determination to find the winning breakthrough.
With the pressure at its highest, the Rising Lionesses delivered the decisive moment, scoring the golden try to seal a memorable 17–12 victory and spark celebrations after an outstanding display of resilience and fighting spirit.
The triumph was particularly significant for Kenya, as it served as revenge for their earlier 17–5 defeat to Australia during the group stage of the competition.
Having learned from their previous encounter, the Kenyan players returned with renewed determination and tactical discipline, rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Kenya’s journey to the final was equally impressive, with the Rising Lionesses defeating Madagascar 15–5 in the semi-finals to book their place in the gold-medal showdown against Australia.
Their victory represents a major milestone for Kenyan youth rugby and highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s rugby sevens in Africa.
By overcoming Australia in such dramatic fashion, the Rising Lionesses have not only secured the ultimate prize but also delivered an inspiring moment for Kenyan sport and a significant achievement for African rugby on the international stage.
The historic triumph at Dakar 2026 will stand as a testament to the team’s courage, determination and belief, as Kenya celebrates its emergence as Olympic youth champions in women’s rugby sevens.