By Victor Okoye

South Africa took an early lead at the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), finishing Day One with 154 strokes at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 20 countries are participating in the championship, which features three rounds of 18 holes each, culminating in 54 holes.

Kenya occupied second position with 158 strokes, while Tanzania placed third with 160 strokes after the opening round of the continental women’s golf championship.

Uganda finished fourth with 163 strokes, while hosts Nigeria occupied fifth position with 166 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.

“I’m happy with how I started the championship. The course demands concentration and patience, and I will continue to take each hole as it comes,” she said.

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.

“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,” she said.

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

Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe occupied fifth position with seven strokes over par (+7), while Tanzania’s Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy were 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.

NAN also reports that 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, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to end on Friday.
(NAN)

Edited by Joseph