Kenya’s national men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, have won the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series title after edging Madagascar 15–12 in a dramatic final in Mauritius.

The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Kenya after Madagascar handed Shujaa a heavy 26–0 defeat during the pool stage of the competition.

Despite the setback, Kenya progressed through the tournament and produced a much stronger display in the knockout stages to reach the final.

Shujaa Overcome South Africa in Semi-Final

Shujaa defeated South Africa 15–0 in the semi-final, securing their place in the title decider and setting up another meeting with Madagascar.

The final proved to be a much closer contest than their earlier pool-stage encounter.

Madagascar opened the scoring before Kenya responded through Rayvone Ambale, who scored a try and added the conversion to put Shujaa in front.

 Gabriel Ayimba then crossed for another Kenyan try as Shujaa continued to apply pressure.

Madagascar refused to surrender and fought back strongly, eventually bringing the scores level at 12–12 and setting up a tense finish.

Nganya Owino Seals Shujaa Victory

With the final entering its decisive stages, Kenya earned a crucial penalty opportunity. 

Glacious Nganya Owino held his nerve to convert the penalty, giving Shujaa a 15-12 lead and ultimately securing the African title.

The victory represents a significant turnaround for Kenya after the disappointing pool-stage defeat and highlights the team's ability to respond under pressure.

It also gives Shujaa renewed confidence as they turn their attention to upcoming international rugby sevens competitions.

For Kenya, the triumph in Mauritius adds another achievement to the country's long association with success in African rugby sevens and provides momentum as the team prepares for its next international challenges.

Shujaa leave Mauritius as Africa Men's Sevens champions after overcoming Madagascar twice in contrasting circumstances — first suffering a heavy pool-stage defeat before producing the decisive performance when the title was at stake.