Teenage Sensation Muthomi Steals Spotlight as South Africa Reclaim AACT Crown

Posted : 09 November 2026

Kenya’s 13-year-old sensation, Kanana Muthomi, emerged as the biggest individual revelation of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), while South Africa reclaimed the team championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.

Muthomi, popularly known as “Nana”, delivered a composed performance over three rounds to finish on 13-over-par and claim the prestigious individual title.

The young Kenyan carded rounds of 77, 77 and 75, finishing six strokes ahead of South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira, who took second place on 19-over-par.

Another South African, Charlotte Millard, completed the individual podium with a total of 23-over-par.

Muthomi’s achievement was particularly impressive given her age and the demanding course conditions, which tested the concentration and consistency of the participating golfers.

Speaking after her triumph, the teenager said the victory carried special significance because she was representing both her country and herself.

“It really means a lot because I am representing my country, but I am also representing myself. I am grateful that I was able to push through the final round,” she said.

She explained that maintaining her concentration, rather than worrying about her lead, proved crucial to her success.

“I knew I was leading after the second round, but I did not know by how much. When I was told about the final round, I simply told myself to play my game,” she added.

Muthomi also praised her teammates for their collective determination to challenge South Africa’s longstanding dominance of the competition.

In the team event, South Africa demonstrated its pedigree by reclaiming the championship trophy with an aggregate score of 464, six strokes ahead of Kenya, which finished second with 470.

The South Africans, who entered the competition determined to recover the title they lost to Morocco in 2024, secured their 15th championship crown through consistent performances across the three rounds.

Tanzania finished third with 479, while hosts Nigeria secured fourth position with 500. The result offered an encouraging indication of the country’s growing competitiveness in women’s amateur golf.

Uganda placed fifth with 504, followed by Zambia (506), Botswana (510), Zimbabwe (521), Ghana (526) and Rwanda (526).

Tunisia finished 11th with 527, ahead of Gabon (542), Mauritius (556), Namibia (568), Malawi (574), Eswatini (575), Senegal (575), Cameroon (583) and Togo (628).

Kenya also celebrated success in the junior category, where Bianca Ngecu won the AACT Junior Trophy after overcoming her South African opponent in a thrilling four-hole playoff.

The contest highlighted the depth of emerging female golfing talent across the continent.

President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr Lami Ahmed, described Nigeria’s hosting of the championship as successful and thanked the African golfing authorities for entrusting the country with the competition.

Ahmed particularly acknowledged the support of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose acceptance to serve as patron helped raise the profile of the event.

“We are grateful to the AACT leadership for giving Nigeria this opportunity and to the IBB International Golf and Country Club for providing its facilities.

“We are also deeply grateful to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose acceptance to become patron of the championship changed the entire outlook of the competition,” she said.

She commended the participating countries, sponsors, officials and volunteers for their contributions to the successful organisation of the tournament.

Outgoing AACT President, Madam Cécile Poncet, described Nigeria’s hosting of the event as an important contribution to the development of women’s golf in Africa.

She said the competition continued to provide opportunities for countries to showcase their talents, strengthen continental relationships and promote excellence.

Similarly, Ekanem Ekwueme, AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, highlighted the importance of sustained investment in grassroots development, coaching, junior competitions and improved facilities.

She described the achievements of Muthomi and Ngecu as encouraging evidence of the continent’s emerging golfing potential.

The championship attracted 19 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Gabon, Mauritius, Namibia, Malawi, Eswatini, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo and hosts Nigeria.

The competition, which began on Monday, concluded on Friday with a colourful dinner and closing ceremony at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre in Abuja.

Beyond the individual honours and final standings, the 2026 edition reinforced the AACT’s importance as a platform for developing female golfing talent, strengthening African sporting relationships and inspiring the next generation of players.

Teenage Sensation Muthomi Steals Spotlight as South Africa Reclaim AACT Crown

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