Kenya’s Rising Lionesses have written a new chapter in the country’s sporting history after defeating Australia 17–12 in a thrilling final to win the women’s rugby sevens gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

The Kenyan youngsters produced a remarkable comeback before sealing victory in sudden-death extra time on Tuesday, November 3, becoming the first Kenyan team to win a team-sport gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

The triumph was also historic for African rugby, with Kenya becoming the first African nation to win rugby sevens gold at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.

The final was a test of character for the Rising Lionesses, who had suffered a 17–5 defeat to Australia in their final pool encounter earlier in the competition.

Australia struck first in the gold-medal match, but Kenya responded through co-captain Zain Hido to level matters at 5–5 by half-time.

The Australians regained control in the second half, scoring a converted try to open up a 12–5 advantage and put the Kenyans under pressure.

However, the Rising Lionesses refused to surrender. Josephine Kerubo crossed the try line in the closing moments, with Diana Wanjiku adding the conversion to take the contest to 12–12 and force extra time.

Kenya eventually found the decisive breakthrough through Mitchelle Chemtai, whose golden-point try secured a memorable 17–12 victory and sent the Kenyan contingent into celebrations.

The gold medal capped an impressive campaign for the young side, who began their tournament with a 12–5 victory over China before thrashing hosts Senegal 19–0.

Despite their setback against Australia in the pool stage, the Kenyan girls recovered to defeat Madagascar 15–5 in the semi-finals and book their place in the final.

Their victory over Australia completed a remarkable turnaround against a side that had previously exposed their weaknesses in the group stage.

Beyond the gold medal, the achievement offers a significant boost to women’s rugby in Kenya, highlighting the potential of the country’s emerging talent on the international stage.