Kenya Morans have reclaimed the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens title after edging Madagascar 15-12 in a thrilling final on Sunday in Mauritius, ending the Makis’ recent dominance over the Kenyan side and restoring the continental crown to Kenyan hands.

The victory completed an impressive turnaround for the Morans, who had endured a difficult pool-stage encounter against Madagascar before responding with a commanding semi-final performance against South Africa.

Madagascar had entered the final unbeaten after winning all four of their matches, while Kenya arrived with renewed confidence following a 15-0 victory over South Africa in the semi-final.

The Makis made the stronger start to the decider, crossing for the opening try inside the first two minutes as they looked to continue their remarkable run against Kenya.

The Morans, however, quickly settled and produced an immediate response. Rayvon Ambale found a gap in the Madagascar defence and accelerated through it to score Kenya’s opening try. The successful conversion put the Morans in front 7-5 and shifted the momentum in their favour.

Kenya carried that advantage into the second half and began to exert more pressure on the Makis. A slick attacking move created space for Gabriel Ayimba, who powered over the line to extend the Kenyan lead to 12-5.

Madagascar refused to surrender their unbeaten run without a fight. They fought their way back into the contest and eventually crossed for a converted try to draw level at 12-12, setting up a tense finish with the championship on the line.

With neither side willing to give ground, the decisive moment arrived late in the contest when Kenya earned a crucial penalty.

Glacious Owino stepped up under immense pressure and kept his composure to strike the ball cleanly from a difficult angle. His successful kick put Kenya back in front 15-12, leaving Madagascar with little time to mount another response.

The final whistle sparked celebrations for the Morans, who had overturned Madagascar’s recent superiority in the most important match of the tournament.

The result ended a run of four consecutive victories for Madagascar against Kenya and handed the Morans their first continental title since 2023, when they were crowned champions in Zimbabwe.

The Morans now return home as Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens champions, having completed one of the tournament’s most impressive comebacks and reclaimed their place at the top of African sevens rugby.