AACT 2026: South Africa Lead As Ferreira Sets Pace, Hosts Nigeria Languish 5th

South Africa have taken an early lead at the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Abuja, with Isabella Ferreira topping the individual standings as the continental women’s golf championship enters its second day.

The South African team returned a combined 154 strokes at the end of Wednesday’s opening round at the IBB International Golf and Country Club to lead the competition, while hosts Nigeria occupy fifth position with 166 strokes.

Kenya are second on 158 strokes, followed by Tanzania with 160, while Uganda sit fourth with 163 strokes.

Nigeria are closely followed by Zambia, who returned 167 strokes, while Botswana occupy seventh position with 170. Ghana are eighth on 172 strokes, with Zimbabwe and Tunisia completing the top 10 on 174 and 176 strokes respectively.

In the individual standings, Ferreira emerged as the early leader after returning four strokes over par (+4), giving South Africa another boost in their quest for the continental title.

The South African expressed satisfaction with her opening-round performance but stressed the need to maintain concentration and consistency as the competition progresses.

“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 is second with five strokes over par (+5), while Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro and South Africa’s Lourenda Steyn share third position after returning six strokes over par (+6).

Kagoro said she was encouraged by her start and remained determined to improve her performance in the remaining rounds.

“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.

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

Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu and Kellie Gachaga returned nine over par (+9) apiece, while Nigeria’s Juliana Ehinomhen is among the leading 10 players after finishing on 10 over par (+10), placing joint 10th.

With the championship attracting no fewer than 20 countries, Nigeria will be hoping to improve their team position as the competition intensifies over the remaining rounds.

The tournament features three rounds of 18 holes, with players required to complete 54 holes before the champions are decided.

Nigeria’s First Lady and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the ceremonial tee-off on Tuesday, 3 November, to officially signal the start of the continental championship.