The Kenya Lionesses are looking to reclaim their place in the international sevens second tier when the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens gets underway at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, 7 November.Eleven national teams will compete in the two-day tournament, which runs until Sunday, 8 November, bringing together some of Africa’s leading women’s rugby programs in a contest that carries significant implications for the continent’s international sevens pathway.Download Our Mozzartsport App For More NewsHosts Kenya will be under pressure to deliver in front of their home supporters after a difficult 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 campaign saw them miss out on qualification for the elite World Championship Series, resulting in their relegation to SVNS 3.The Africa Women’s Sevens now offers the Lionesses an opportunity to secure an immediate return to the second tier ahead of the 2027 season.A place in the tournament final would put Kenya in a strong position to reclaim their SVNS 2 status, although their qualification hopes could also extend to the Dubai Sevens in December, depending on their performance in Nairobi.The hosts have been drawn in Pool B alongside Tunisia and Ghana, with the competition format requiring them to negotiate the pool stage before progressing through the knockout rounds.Dennis Ombachi offers solution to Kenya Sevens player contracts standoffKenya will open their campaign against Ghana at 1:34 pm on Saturday before taking on Tunisia at 4:40 pm in their final pool fixture.The Lionesses will be counting on home advantage and the backing of the Nairobi crowd as they seek to challenge South Africa, who arrive as the defending champions and the team to beat.South Africa defeated Kenya 22-0 in last year’s final to claim their 13th continental title. They will once again be chasing African honours but are not eligible for the qualification spot, having already secured their place in the HSBC SVNS 2 competition.Consequently, the highest-finishing team outside South Africa will earn Africa’s qualification place in the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.Uganda and Madagascar are also expected to be among the teams targeting the qualification opportunity, while Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tunisia will be looking to make their mark.##NAJAVA_MECA_10095440##Pool A features South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Pool C comprises Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burkina Faso.Kenya will be represented by a 12-player squad featuring Nelly Chikombe, Yvette Okech, Moreen Muritu, Sheila Chajira, Faith Livoi, Stella Wafula, Sinaida Mokaya, Janet Okello, Judith Auma, Marvel Oswago, Freshia Oduor and Catherine Elizabeth.The squad combines experience and talent as the Lionesses look to respond to their disappointing international campaign and use the continental tournament as a springboard towards regaining their place in SVNS 2.Meanwhile, rugby supporters across Africa and around the world will be able to follow the action live through RugbyPass TV, Rugby Africa’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.Meet the coach behind Kenya's historic Youth Olympic goldAfrica Women’s Sevens: Saturday, November 7 FixturesAll times are East Africa Time (EAT).9:00 am – Madagascar vs Mauritius (Pool C)9:22 am – Uganda vs Burkina Faso (Pool C)9:44 am – Tunisia vs Ghana (Pool B)10:06 am – Zambia vs Zimbabwe (Pool A)10:28 am – South Africa vs Rwanda (Pool A)11:44 am – Madagascar vs Burkina Faso (Pool C)12:06 pm – Uganda vs Mauritius (Pool C)12:50 pm – Zambia vs Rwanda (Pool A)1:12 pm – South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Pool A)1:34 pm – Kenya vs Ghana (Pool B)2:50 pm – Mauritius vs Burkina Faso (Pool C)3:12 pm – Uganda vs Madagascar (Pool C)3:56 pm – South Africa vs Zambia (Pool A)4:18 pm – Zimbabwe vs Rwanda (Pool A)4:40 pm – Kenya vs Tunisia (Pool B)