Zambia Stun Record Champions South Africa as Race for HSBC SVNS 3 Qualification Heats Up in Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya –  Inspired by captain Lushomo Liwena, Zambia recorded a major upset at the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens on Saturday, defeating record champions and tournament favourites South Africa 19-14 in a pulsating contest to top Pool A at the end of day one.

Zambia, a lively side that consistently brings its best to this tournament, produced arguably one of the finest performances in their history with a well-deserved comeback victory against a South African developmental side competing in Nairobi as the Springbok Women’s Sevens A.

Inspirational captain Liwena, further establishing herself as one of the leading players in African women’s rugby, crossed the line for all of Zambia’s tries in an outstanding individual display. However, it would be a mistake to describe the victory as a one-woman show.

After Vianca Boer’s sharp eye for a gap saw her cross for two tries as South Africa took an early 14-10 lead, the lively Zambian players refused to let their heads drop.

They defended with determination and competed fiercely at the breakdown, with their efforts rewarded by two tries from Liwena in the first half. The Zambian skipper used her pace on two occasions to reduce the deficit, with South Africa leading 14-10 at the break.

The second half was even better for Zambia, whose quicker runners capitalised on their forwards’ admirable commitment in the contest against the South African pack.

A premature end to the game was corrected by the referee, who called the two teams back for a tap before the ball was kicked out. Zambia managed to see out the final play and celebrated as though they had won the title – a moment of joy that was certainly deserved.

Earlier in the day, Zambia had trounced Rwanda 50-0 before beating Zimbabwe 36-5 in Pool A. South Africa finished second behind Zambia in the group. The defending champions handed Rwanda another heavy defeat, winning 57-0, before being given a tougher challenge by neighbours Zimbabwe, whom they eventually beat 26-10.

In Pool C, group favourites Uganda – who had hammered Mauritius 49-0 and Burkina Faso 45-0 in their opening matches – faced what looked set to be a tougher test against Madagascar in one of the day's group deciders.

However, Uganda demolished Madagascar 46-0 in a surprisingly one-sided encounter in which the islanders failed to produce their usual attacking flair.

Known for their exciting open play and ability to keep the ball alive, Madagascar were contained by Uganda’s physical dominance, with strong carries accounting for much of the scoring.

Star winger Lydia Namabiro spearheaded the attack with four tries, while Recheal Mufuwa and Mastula Nambozo also crossed the line to complete the rout for the Lady Cranes.

Pool B, which featured just three teams following Egypt’s late withdrawal from the tournament, was topped by hosts Kenya.

The Lionesses first beat Ghana 27-7 before setting up a pool decider against Tunisia, who had also defeated the Ghanaians, winning 21-0.

Tunisia put up a spirited fight, defending tenaciously to deny Kenya the opportunity to play freely.

However, Judith Okumu drew first blood for Kenya after Moreen Muritu produced a superb offload to set her up for the opening try. Freshia Oduor and Kathrine Amondi then crossed the line to secure top spot for the hosts.

This year’s tournament also serves as a World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 qualifier. With South Africa already assured of a place in SVNS 2, the highest-placed eligible team outside South Africa at the end of the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens will earn qualification for SVNS 3.

Pool A

• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Rwanda

Pool B

• Kenya
• Tunisia
• Ghana

Pool C

• Uganda
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Burkina Faso

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Saturday, 7 November 2026 (EAT)

• 09:00 – Madagascar (12) v Mauritius (5) (Pool C)
• 09:22 – Uganda (45) v Burkina Faso (0) (Pool C)
• 09:44 – Tunisia (21) v Ghana (0) (Pool B)
• 10:06 – Zambia (36) v Zimbabwe (5) (Pool A)
• 10:28 – South Africa (57) v Rwanda (0) (Pool A)
• 11:44 – Madagascar (36) v Burkina Faso (12) (Pool C)
• 12:06 – Uganda (49) v Mauritius (0) (Pool C)
• 12:50 – Zambia (50) v Rwanda (0) (Pool A)
• 13:12 – South Africa (28) v Zimbabwe (10) (Pool A)
• 13:34 – Kenya (27) v Ghana (7) (Pool B)
• 14:50 – Mauritius (32) v Burkina Faso (10) (Pool C)
• 15:12 – Uganda (41) v Madagascar (0) (Pool C)
• 15:56 – South Africa (14) v Zambia (19) (Pool A)
• 16:18 – Zimbabwe (27) v Rwanda (5) (Pool A)
• 16:40 – Kenya (19) v Tunisia (0) (Pool B)

Sunday, 8 November 2026 (EAT)

• 09:00 – Kenya v Mauritius (Cup Quarter-Final 1)
• 09:22 – Uganda v South Africa (Cup Quarter-Final 2)
• 09:44 – Tunisia v Madagascar (Cup Quarter-Final 3)
• 10:06 – Zambia v Zimbabwe (Cup Quarter-Final 4)
• 10:28 – Ghana v Rwanda (9th Place Semi-Final 1)
• 12:07 – Loser Match 19 v Loser Match 20 (5th Place Semi-Final 1)
• 12:29 – Loser Match 21 v Loser Match 22 (5th Place Semi-Final 2)
• 12:51 – Winner Match 19 v Winner Match 20 (Cup Semi-Final 1)
• 13:13 – Winner Match 21 v Winner Match 22 (Cup Semi-Final 2)
• 13:35 – Loser Match 23 v Loser Match 24 (11th Place Final)
• 13:57 – Winner Match 23 v Winner Match 24 (9th Place Final)
• 14:59 – Loser Match 25 v Loser Match 26 (7th Place Final)
• 15:24 – Winner Match 25 v Winner Match 26 (5th Place Final)
• 15:53 – Loser Match 28 v Loser Match 27 (Bronze Final)
• 16:32 – Winner Match 28 v Winner Match 27 (Gold Final)