Felicia Jacobs scored the winning try for South Africa who edged out Kenya Lionesses 19-10 in the final of the Rugby Africa Women’s seven-a-side tournament that ended on November 5, 2024 at the University of Ghana stadium in Accra.

The crucial try was a result of a fierce defense by the South Africans inside their 22 from intense pressure by Kenya Lionesses. South Africa turned the ball over near their try line and Zintle Mphupa broke through with the ball exchanging hands before Jacobs dotted under the posts. Nadine Roos converted for the win.

Kenya and South Africa, the traditional two powerhouses in the shorter version of the game, started the match on a high note with Stellah Wafula drawing the first blood for Kenya with an unconverted try. The restart by Kenya did not go the full distance giving South Africa possession for the first time. 

Darting run

From the scrum in the middle of the pitch, Kemisetso Baloyi made a darting run on the left but was stopped short of the line. South Africa quickly recycled the ball and Ayanda Malinga, who was named the player of the tournament, leveled the scores 5-5. 

When Malinga was yellow carded for a high tackle on Grace Okulu, South Africa managed the deficit well for a 5-5 margin at half time. 

In the second half, Kenya started from where they left off with Sharon Ouma breaking the deadlock with a try after Judith Auma ran on the left from the base of the scrum. Kenya briefly led 10-5 before Mapupa broke through the Kenya ranks to score under the posts. Roos converted for the lead to change hands 12-10 for the third time.

Decisive try

South Africa did not surrender the lead and survived a Kenya onslaught before Jacobs the decisive try. The winners only conceded two tries in the tournament which was in the final.

They beat Senegal 50-0 in the quarter finals and Madagascar 42-0 in the semis. Kenya Lionesses saw off Ghana 48-0 in the quarters and Uganda 19-0 in the semis.

In the play-off, Uganda defeated Madagascar 17-5 to clinch a spot for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. 

The winning squads

South Africa: Leigh Fortuin, Kemisetso Baloyi, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Nampumelelo Mathe, Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba, Shiniqwa Lampretch, Nadine Roos, Mathrin Simmers (captain), Zandile Masuku, Liske Lategan.

Kenya Lionesses: Sheila Chajira (captain), Christabel Lindo. Faith Livoi, Stellah Wafula, Diana Awino, Moreen Muritu, Sinaida Nyachio, Diana Kemunto, Judith Auma, Grace Adhiambo, Sharon Juma, Freshia Oduor.

Uganda Lady Cranes: Peace Lekuru (captain), Grace Nabaggala, Unity Namulala, Grace Auma, Maimuna Nasozi, Janat Nandudu, Tina Molly Okello, Lona Sandra Amoli, Getrude Junior Kateesa, Faziira Namukwaya, Yvonne Najjuma, Lydia Namabiro. 

Day two results

Cup quarter finals: Kenya 48 Ghana 0, Uganda 17 Tunisia 12, Madagascar 19 Zambia 12, South Africa 50 Senegal 0; Semi-final: Kenya 19 Uganda 0, Madagascar 0 South Africa 42;  Final: Kenya 10 South Africa 19; Play-off: Uganda 17 Madagascar 5.

Fifth place semi-final: Ghana  7 Tunisia 17,  Zambia 31 Senegal 7; Final: Tunisia 12 Zambia 5

7th & 8th place final: Ghana 15 Senegal 0.

Ninth place semi-finals: Zimbabwe 22 Burkina Faso 5, Ivory Coast 10 Mauritius 17; Final: Zimbabwe 15 Mauritius 5.

11th place final: Burkina Faso 0 Ivory Coast 17

Final ranking

12. Burkina Faso, 11. Ivory Coast, 10. Mauritius, 9. Zimbabwe, 8. Senegal, 7. Ghana 6. Zambia 5. Tunisia 4. Madagascar 3. Uganda 2. Kenya 1. South Africa. 

Day one results

Pool A: South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso

Tunisia 10 Zimbabwe 0, South Africa 38 Burkina Faso 0, Tunisia 47 Burkina Faso 0, South Africa 38 Zimbabwe 0, Zimbabwe 37 Burkina Faso 0, South Africa 40 Tunisia 0.

Pool B: Kenya, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius

Madagascar 31 Ghana 12, Kenya 61 Mauritius 0, Madagascar 40 Mauritius 7, Kenya 10 Ghana 5, Kenya 22 Madagascar 17, Ghana 29 Mauritius 10.

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, Ivory Coast

Zambia 10  Senegal 5, Uganda 48 Ivory Coast 0, Zambia 43 Ivory Coast 7, Uganda 39 Senegal 0, Senegal 17 Ivory Coast 15, Uganda 31 Zambia 7.