Uganda’s Lady Rugby Cranes fell agonizingly short of gold at the 2025 Safari Sevens, finishing second after a narrow 14–10 loss to hosts Kenya Lionesses in a tense final at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The Lady Cranes looked on course for a famous victory after overturning an early deficit to lead 10–7 at halftime, but Kenya’s experience told in the second half as they rallied to reclaim their crown in front of a roaring home crowd.
Kenya opened the scoring through Edith Nariaka, who sliced through Uganda’s defense in the second minute.
Sinaida Mokaya converted for a 7–0 lead. Uganda hit back with two tries before halftime, showcasing pace and power to edge ahead 10–7.
After the break, Kenya’s Janet Okello turned the game around with a quick tap-and-go try that Mokaya converted to make it 14–10.
The closing stages were tense. Kenya’s Freshia Oduor was shown a yellow card for a dangerous hair pull, leaving the Lionesses with six players.
But Uganda couldn’t capitalize, with two late knock-ons ending their hopes of a comeback.
Earlier, Uganda booked their place in the final after upsetting defending champions Costa Blanca Barbarians 17–12 in the semis.
Lydia Namabiro scored twice, including a decisive late try while Grace Nabagala added another to seal the win.
The 2023 Champions have had a better campaign than the previous one where they were stopped in the semifinals by Costa Blanca.
However the Kenya Lionesses reclaimed the crown after winning the Women’s final and Shujaa maintained their dominance with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Shogun Rugby to claim their 14th Men’s Safari 7s title.
