SA, Uganda, and Zambia dominate Day 1 of 2024 Women’s 7s Rugby Tournament

South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia were the standout teams on Day one of the 2024 Women’s 7s Rugby Tournament, each securing dominant wins in their matches. South Africa, the defending champions, showed their strength with a perfect record, scoring 117 points across three matches. Uganda recorded 118 and Zambia also impressed, recording strong victories in their games.

Day one results

Zambia 10-5 Senegal

Uganda 48-0 Ivory Coast

Madagascar 31-12 Ghana

Kenya 61-0 Mauritius

Tunisia 10-0 Zimbabwe

Tunisia 47-0 Burkina Faso

South Africa 38-0 Zimbabwe

Senegal 22-10 Ivory Coast

Uganda 31-7 Zambia

Kenya 22-17 Madagascar

Zimbabwe 37-0 Burkina Faso

South Africa 39-0 Burkina Faso

Kenya 10-5 Ghana

Zambia 43-7 Ivory Coast

Uganda 39-0 Senegal

Madagascar 42-7 Mauritius

South Africa 40-0 Tunisia

Ghana 29-10 Mauritius

Excitement and intensity mark Day 1 of 2024 Women’s 7S Rugby Tournament

The University of Ghana Rugby Stadium was alive with energy and anticipation today, as the 2024 Women’s Sevens Rugby Tournament kicked off with thrilling matches, showcasing fierce competition and outstanding athleticism from top African teams. The tournament, organized by World Rugby, Africa Rugby in collaboration with Ghana Rugby, the National Sports Authority, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, saw teams from across the continent battling it out for supremacy in a fast-paced, high-intensity series of games.

The opening day saw dramatic performances, with some teams dominating while others fought valiantly to stay in contention for the title. With a keen eye on the future of African rugby, the event highlighted the growing strength of women’s rugby on the continent, with pivotal matches shaping the path toward the championship, to be concluded on Sunday, November 10.

Zambia’s narrow victory over Senegal

Zambia secured an early win with a tight 10-5 victory over Senegal in a match that was a true test of resilience. The Zambian team held their ground, despite a determined Senegalese defense, with a single try proving to be the difference between the two sides. Senegal’s efforts fell short, but their fight was commendable, leaving much to look forward to in their upcoming matches.

Uganda dominates Côte d’Ivoire

Uganda put on a masterclass in rugby, breezing past Côte d’Ivoire with a commanding 48-0 scoreline. Uganda’s precision and teamwork were unmatched, with their fast-paced, well-coordinated play overwhelming their opponents. The result leaves Uganda as one of the tournament’s early favorites, as they continue to build momentum toward the final rounds.

Madagascar overpowers hosts Ghana

In one of the day’s most anticipated clashes, the host nation, Ghana, faced Madagascar in a high-stakes contest. Despite an electrifying atmosphere in Accra, Ghana struggled to match the intensity and skill of Madagascar, who ran out 31-12 winners. Ghana’s team showed moments of promise but could not handle Madagascar’s fluid attack and solid defense. With the tournament still open, Ghana will look to regroup and rebound in their remaining fixtures.

South Africa cruises past Burkina Faso

South Africa demonstrated their dominance, securing an emphatic 38-0 win over Burkina Faso. The South African side showcased clinical finishing and a robust defense that left their opponents with little room to maneuver. Burkina Faso, although showing spirit, couldn’t keep pace with the speed and intensity of the Springboks’ play.

Zambia’s second win – A show of strength

Zambia continued their impressive form, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 43-7 in their second match of the day. The Zambian team displayed excellent ball-handling and strategic play to outclass their Ivorian counterparts, adding another solid win to their tally and positioning themselves well for a strong finish in the tournament.

Uganda keeps rolling with a shutout against Senegal

Uganda’s momentum showed no signs of slowing down as they dispatched Senegal 39-0 in another lopsided contest. The Ugandan side’s relentless attack overwhelmed Senegal, and their defensive line remained impenetrable, securing them a well-deserved victory and further solidifying their status as one of the tournament’s strongest teams.

Madagascar’s solid victory over Mauritius

Madagascar made their intentions clear with a dominant 42-7 victory over Mauritius. The Malagasy women showcased clinical finishing and tactical brilliance, leaving Mauritius with little time to execute their plans. The result ensured Madagascar’s place as one of the tournament’s top contenders as they eye the championship.

Tunisia overpowers Burkina Faso

Tunisia stamped their authority with a 47-0 win against Burkina Faso, continuing the trend of one-sided matches. Tunisia’s rapid pace and tactical play were too much for Burkina Faso, who struggled to find a rhythm throughout the match. Tunisia’s clinical attack kept their opponents on the back foot, securing them a well-earned victory.

Kenya’s narrow victory over Ghana

Kenya and Ghana battled it out in a tense match that saw Kenya edge out the hosts 10-5. It was a thrilling encounter, with both teams showing great passion, but Kenya’s superior strategy and discipline ultimately won them the match. Ghana’s valiant efforts were met with applause from the home crowd, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

South Africa shines in Zimbabwe shutout

South Africa further solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with by easily dispatching Zimbabwe 38-0. Their speed and power on both ends of the field proved too much for the Zimbabwean side, leaving them with little to counter as South Africa continued to dominate the competition.

Senegal triumphs over Côte d’Ivoire

In a hard-fought battle, Senegal bounced back with a 22-10 victory over Côte d’Ivoire. The match saw Senegal’s speed and agility edge out Côte d’Ivoire’s physicality, with the Senegalese side capitalizing on mistakes to secure their first win of the tournament.

Zambia falls to Uganda

In one of the day’s most tightly contested matches, Zambia suffered a narrow 31-7 defeat to Uganda. The game featured moments of brilliance from both teams, but Uganda’s superior fitness and tactical execution ultimately saw them through, ensuring that they maintain a perfect record after two matches.

Kenya and Madagascar deliver a thrilling clash

Kenya faced off against Madagascar in a thrilling encounter that saw Kenya edge out the Malagasy side 22-17. The match was an intense showcase of skill, with both teams exchanging fast-paced attacks and robust defenses. Kenya’s slight edge in execution during key moments proved to be the difference.

Zimbabwe continues struggles with a heavy loss to Burkina Faso

Zimbabwe’s tournament campaign took a difficult turn with a 37-0 loss to Burkina Faso, who earned their first win of the day. Despite Zimbabwe’s resilience, they were unable to match Burkina Faso’s energy and defensive discipline, leaving them with a lot to work on as the tournament progresses.

South Africa and Tunisia clash in a fierce contest

South Africa and Tunisia met in a high-stakes match where the Springboks emerged victorious, winning 40-0. The match was a showcase of South Africa’s power and speed, as they overwhelmed Tunisia’s defense with clinical play and a well-organized attacking structure.

Ghana registers first win with a 29-10 victory over Mauritius

The host nation, Ghana, finally found their rhythm, securing a 29-10 win over Mauritius. It was a much-needed victory for Ghana, who had suffered two losses earlier in the day. The win not only boosted the spirits of the Ghanaian team but also gave the home crowd something to cheer about as they look ahead to the remaining matches.

Looking ahead

With Day One behind them, the 2024 Women’s 7s Rugby Tournament is far from decided. As teams regroup and strategize for Sunday’s final day of action, all eyes are on the likes of Uganda, South Africa, and Zambia, who have been impressive so far. With the tournament set to conclude November 10, 2024, the tension is palpable, and the race to crown the champion is heating up.

Herbert Mensah, President of Africa Rugby, who has been a leading figure in the development of African rugby, remains a key inspiration throughout the tournament. His vision and leadership continue to pave the way for the growth of women’s rugby on the continent, and his support has played a pivotal role in bringing the tournament to fruition in Accra, serving as a shinning example to the world.

As the tournament moves into its final day on Sunday, November 10, the players and their teams will give their all in pursuit of the ultimate prize — the coveted title of Africa’s best women’s rugby team.

Watch the videos: