Sweet revenge came in the most dramatic fashion as Kenya mauled Madagascar 15-12 to win the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series title in Mauritius on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Glacious Nganya held his nerve when it mattered most, converting a decisive last-minute opportunity to crown Kenya champions after an enthralling final at Cascavelle on the island’s western coast.
With the scores locked at 12-12 as the hooter sounded, Madagascar’s discipline proved costly, handing Kenya one final chance. Up stepped Nganya, one of the least experienced players in the squad and competing in only his first international tournament for Shujaa.
Against the wind, Nganya calmly split the uprights with a drop-goal to seal a remarkable victory and avenge Kenya’s earlier 26-0 loss to Madagascar in the pool stages.
Madagascar, the tournament’s only undefeated side heading into the final, struck first when Jean Marc Raoelinirina finished in the corner following a superb backline move.
Kenya responded through Rayvon Ambale, who had the simplest of tasks after racing onto a perfectly weighted pass. Gabriel Ayimba then dived over from an offload to put Kenya ahead, but Madagascar refused to yield.
Rado Randrianalisona restored parity, setting up a tense finale in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats before Nganya delivered the decisive blow.
Kenya had earlier stunned South Africa 15-0 in the semi-final, producing a commanding all-round display. Ayimba scored two tries, while Victor Odhiambo Mola added another try to send coach Kevin Wambua’s side into the final.
Madagascar booked their place in the title decider with a 26-14 victory over Burkina Faso. Jean Yves Randriamalala, Nomenjanahary Randriamialisoa, Sandaniaina Rakotomalala and Cedric Rakotondrabe scored for the islanders, while Kassoum Deme scored all 14 points for Burkina Faso through two tries and their conversions.
South Africa claimed bronze after humbling Burkina Faso 24-14. The South Africans were led by Aaron Swartz, who scored a hat-trick, with Grant de Jager and Gino Cupido also crossing.
The result capped an exhilarating two-day tournament in Mauritius and gave Kenya their seventh African title after 2004, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2023 ahead of the Safari Sevens, scheduled for October 9-11 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
For Shujaa, however, the sweetest part was the manner of the victory. After being humiliated by Madagascar in the pool stage, Kenya answered when it mattered most, with the trophy on the line.
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