South Africa have strengthened their position at the top of the team standings after the second round of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The defending champions returned a combined score of 309 after 36 holes on Thursday to maintain their lead in the week-long championship.

Kenya remain their closest challengers with 316, while Tanzania occupy third position with 325.

Hosts Nigeria are fourth with 327, as Botswana sit fifth with 336.

Uganda occupy sixth position with 338, followed respectively by Zambia with 340, Tunisia with 347, Zimbabwe with 348, and Ghana with 349.

In the individual standings, Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi emerged as the leader after maintaining remarkable consistency across the first two rounds. Two rounds. Two 77s. 

One leader: Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi has been a model of consistency at the AACT, taking a three-shot lead into the final round on 154 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Muthomi, who returned two rounds of 77, has a 36-hole aggregate of 154, placing her three shots ahead of South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira on 157.

“I am happy with my performance over the first two rounds. My focus has been on staying consistent, managing the course and taking every hole as it comes.

“However, I am not getting carried away because there is still another round to play. I will remain focused, trust my preparation and give my best in the final round,” Muthomi said in an interview.

Ferreira, who took an early lead on opening day, said that although her performance fell short of expectations on the second day, she was pleased with her overall showing so far.

“Being three shots behind the leader gives me a good opportunity to challenge for the title. My focus is to remain patient, minimise mistakes and take advantage of scoring opportunities. I am looking forward to the final round,” she said.

South Africa’s Charlotte Millard and Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe are joint third with 159 each, while Tanzania’s Neema Olomi occupies fifth position with 160. Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu is sixth with 162, followed by Nigeria’s Diana Osmond on 163.

Another Nigerian, Ehinomen Juliana, occupies eighth position with 164, alongside Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro and South Africa’s Lourenda Steyn. Muthomi’s impressive performance has given Kenya a strong individual medal prospect as the championship enters its final round.

Ferreira and Millard, however, will hope to mount a strong challenge to prevent the Kenyan from claiming the individual title.

For Nigeria, Osmond and Juliana remain the country’s leading hopes in the individual competition, with both golfers seeking to improve their positions before the championship ends.

The tournament, which has attracted female golfers from more than 20 African countries, is designed to promote competitive golf, friendship, and the development of women’s golf across the continent.

The final round is expected to produce an exciting finish as South Africa seeks to consolidate its team advantage, while Kenya pursues both team and individual honours.

(NAN)