Kiambaa RFC continued their fairytale run at the 2026 Prinsloo 7s after stunning Kenya Harlequins 21-17 to book a place in the Women’s Cup final in their maiden appearance on the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.
The youthful side, largely made up of current high school players, overcame a star-studded Harlequins outfit featuring Kenya Cup runners-up and several Kenyan internationals to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Kenya Harlequins struck first when Yvette Oketch finished off a brilliant offload from Kenyan international Phoebe Akinyi, although the conversion drifted wide to leave the scores at 5-0.
Kiambaa responded through Diana Wanjiku, with Milan adding the conversion to hand the newcomers a 7-5 lead. Harlequins reclaimed the advantage when winger Freshia Oduor crossed over before Maureen Muritu converted for a 12-7 scoreline.
The debutants refused to back down as Rose Okwemba powered over for Kiambaa’s second try. Milan was again on target with the extras as Kiambaa carried a narrow 14-12 lead into the halftime break.
Harlequins regained the lead early in the second half when Oketch completed her brace, putting Quins 17-14 ahead. However, Kiambaa had the final say. A slick passage of passing created space out wide, with Diana Wanjiku finishing off the move for her second try of the match to seal a famous 19-17 victory and send the underdogs into the final.
Kiambaa will now face Mwamba RFC in the Women’s Cup final as they look to cap a dream debut on the National Sevens Circuit with a championship title.
Speaking after the historic victory, head coach Allan Bush praised his young squad for believing in themselves despite coming up against one of the country’s most experienced sides.
“Many people didn’t give us a chance because we are making our National Sevens Circuit debut and most of our players are still in high school. But the girls believed in themselves, trusted the process and played with heart. Beating a quality side like Kenya Harlequins shows the future is bright for this team. Now our focus shifts to the final against Mwamba, we have come this far, and we want to finish the job,” said Bush.
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