Uganda’s She Cranes have won the 2026 Africa Netball Cup after defeating defending champions South Africa 56-53 in the final in Nairobi, Kenya.
The victory at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday saw Uganda reclaim the continental title after South Africa had beaten them in the 2025 final in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The She Cranes entered the final unbeaten, having topped Pool 2 after victories over Nigeria, Zambia, hosts Kenya and Malawi. They then defeated Namibia 52-41 in the semi-final to book their place in the title decider.
South Africa, meanwhile, reached the final after beating Malawi 62-46 in their semi-final.
The result gives Uganda another continental title and ends South Africa’s reign as African champions. South Africa had won the 2025 Africa Netball Cup after defeating Uganda 56-34 in the final.
World Netball congratulated Uganda after the final, confirming the She Cranes as Africa’s champions.
The Nairobi tournament also served as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Uganda and South Africa had already secured their places at the World Cup through their World Netball rankings as of December 1, 2025.
Malawi and Namibia secured the other two African invitations to the 2027 World Cup after reaching the knockout stage, joining Uganda and South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the tournament.
The She Cranes’ triumph marks another significant chapter in Uganda’s rise in international netball, with the team having also finished fifth at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town after defeating hosts South Africa 49-47 in the fifth-place playoff.