The defending champions posted an opening-round gross total of 154 to take a four-shot lead over second-placed Kenya, who finished on 158.

With the two best individual scores counting towards the team’s overall round total, South Africa’s opening-round score was made up of contributions from Isabella Ferreira and Lourenda Steyn.

Ferreira carded a four-over-par 76 to take the individual lead, while Steyn returned a six-over-par 78 to help South Africa get their title defence off to a solid start. Their teammate, Charlotte Millard, opened with an 85.

Behind South Africa and Kenya, Tanzania occupy third place on 160, followed by Uganda in fourth on 163.

Hosts Nigeria are fifth on 166, with Zambia one shot further back in sixth on 167. Botswana occupy seventh place on 170, while Ghana are eighth on 172.

Zimbabwe are ninth on 174, with Tunisia completing the top 10 on 176.

On the individual leaderboard, Ferreira holds a one-shot advantage over Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi, who opened with a 77. Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro and Steyn share third place on 78.

Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe carded a 79 to sit in fifth place. She is followed by the Tanzanian duo of Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy, who share sixth place on 80.

Kenya’s Bianca Ncegu and Kellie Gachaga are tied for eighth place on 81.