By Victor Okoye

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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defending champions on Thursday returned a combined score of 309 after 36 holes 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 occupied 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.

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 with NAN.

On her part, Ferreira, who had taken an early lead on the opening day, said that although her performance fell short of expectations on Day Two, 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

Ferreira and Millard will, however, be hoping 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 seek to consolidate their team advantage, while Kenya pursue both team and individual honours.

NAN also reports that the 2026 AACT which was officially declared open by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday, is expected to end with the final championship rounds on Friday. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim