Junior Lionesses reach Dakar Youth Olympics rugby semifinals

Kenya’s Junior Lionesses have advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics rugby competition after recording two wins out of two on the opening day in Dakar, Senegal. Kenya beat China and hosts Senegal to secure a semifinal place with a match to spare. The Junior Lionesses opened the competition with a clinical 12-5 win over China. Evalyne Afande and Mmboga Michael scored the tries for Kenya, with Joy Murigi adding the extras. In the second match, Senegal proved a tougher opponent, with the score tied 0-0 at half-time. Once again, Evalyne Afande came to the rescue with two tries, while Josephine Kembo added the third try. Diana Wanjiku and Joy Murigi added two conversions. Kenya will play Australia on Tuesday to determine the group winners ahead of the semifinals and finals, which will also be held on the same day.