South Africa leads, Nigeria fifth at Africa Golf Championship

South Africa has taken an early lead at the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), returning 154 strokes on Day One of the continental women’s golf championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Nigeria occupies the fifth position with 166 strokes as 20 countries competed in the opening round of the three-round championship, which featured 54 holes.

Kenya placed second with 158 strokes, while Tanzania finished third with 160 strokes. Uganda occupies the fourth position with 163 strokes.

Zambia followed in sixth position with 167 strokes, ahead of Botswana, which returned 170 strokes to place seventh.

Ghana finished eighth with 172 strokes, while Zimbabwe and Tunisia occupied ninth and 10th positions with 174 and 176 strokes respectively.

In the individual standings, South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira emerged as the Day One leader with four strokes over par (+4).

Ferreira, who expressed satisfaction with her opening-round performance, said she was encouraged by her start but remained focused on maintaining consistency.

Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi followed closely in second position with five strokes over par (+5), while Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro occupied third position with six strokes over par (+6).

Kagoro said she was delighted with her start and determined to build on the performance.

She said: “It is encouraging to begin the championship this way. I know the competition is strong, but I will stay focused, trust my game and work towards an even better performance.”

South Africa’s Lourenda Steyn also returned six strokes over par to share third position with Kagoro.

Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe is in the fifth position with seven strokes over par (+7), while Tanzania’s Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy are tied on eight strokes over par (+8).

Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu and Kellie Gachaga returned nine strokes over par (+9) apiece.

Nigeria’s Juliana Ehinomhen finished among the leading 10 players, returning 10 strokes over par (+10) to occupy joint 10th position.

The Nigerian team will be seeking to improve its standing in the remaining rounds as competition intensifies among the participating countries.

The 2026 AACT, which was declared open on Tuesday by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to end today.