Kenya make rugby history with golden-point victory over Australia

Kenya's Rising Lionesses have made history after defeating Australia 17-12 in a dramatic golden-point finish to win the women's rugby sevens gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Mitchelle Chemtai scored the decisive try 87 seconds into extra time on Tuesday, giving Kenya its first Olympic gold medal in a team sport and making it the first African nation to win rugby sevens gold at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.

The victory was particularly significant after Australia had beaten Kenya 17-5 in the pool stage and entered the final unbeaten as tournament favorites.

Australia made an early start through Darci Mackay before Kenya captain Zain Hido levelled the scores at 5-5 by half-time.

Grace Buchanan restored Australia's lead with a converted try in the second half, putting the Australians 12-5 ahead.

Kenya fought back through Josephine Kerubo, whose late try and Diana Wanjiku's conversion forced the match into extra time at 12-12.

Speaking after the match, Hido said the team had almost given up when Australia took a seven-point lead, but encouragement from their coach helped them regain their confidence.

"We just told ourselves, 'let's have fun, let's enjoy it, and let's do what we always do best – play rugby'," the captain said.

Hido said the victory could open up opportunities for the young players, including scholarships and sponsorships.

Kenya reached the final after defeating Madagascar 15-5 in the semi-finals.

Coach Knight Otwoma praised Chemtai, saying she had confidence in the match-winner's ability to deliver when called upon.

"I have always believed in her. She's a winger. I tried to convert her to a forward, which she embraced, but when one of my players was injured, I just told her I believed in her," Otwoma said.

The women's competition also produced a historic result for Madagascar, which defeated Czechia 26-10 to claim bronze and its first Olympic medal at any level.