Two Titanic Battles on Match-Day Two of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup
Two Titanic Battles on Match-Day Two of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup South Africa edges out Kenya, as Uganda breaks hosts’ hearts.
South Africa edges out Kenya, as Uganda breaks hosts’ hearts.
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar– Women’s rugby in Africa shone brightly today, with four teams putting on a thrilling display of skill and determination on Day Two of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
South Africa edged Kenya 19-12 in a closely fought contest that lived up to expectations as two of the best teams on the continent went toe-to-toe in the final stages of this thriller, before Uganda silenced a passionate home crowd with an upset 24-20 victory over hosts Madagascar.
Earlier, the Springbok Women were made to work for their 12-0 first half lead, with Kenya defending resolutely and having periods of enterprising play of their own in attack.
Robust inside-centre Aphiwe Ngwevu crashed over early for South Africa’s try, converted by flyhalf Mary Zulu.
Lerato Makua, the outstanding open-side flanker, shrugged off a tackle on the try-line to score South Africa’s second, following good work by winger Patience Mokone.
Kenya relied on their powerful forwards to make headway for most of the first half, but South Africa’s own pack was equal to the task and refused to be dominated.
South Africa scored just one try in the second half to race to a 19-0 lead. Replacement loose forward Nobuhle Mjwara broke down Kenya’s defence to add the five-pointer after a strong carry by substitute lock Dineo Ndhlovu.
Pacey Freshia Odour then brought Kenya back into it with a well-worked try, galloping to finish off after the Lionesses delightfully spread the ball wide, with Angel Juma converting.
Kenya threatened to steal in the end after Nollin Khaleyi scored from a pick-and-go, as the Lionesses pressed right to the end. The World Cup-bound Springboks Women held on well, showing their experience, to survive the late Kenya surge.
In the day’s second match, Uganda recovered from 20-12 deficit to defeat Madagascar in an exciting finish.
A spirited Madagascar side, buoyed by a partisan crowd at the Stade Makis, played a high-paced running game, the hallmark of their rugby.
But brave Uganda’s intensity was at a much higher level, especially in the second half, resulting in a bruising battle in Antananarivo.
Uganda outscored Madagascar by four tries to three, the crucial ones being the lively outside-centre Grace Nabagala’s brace at the end to snatch the game away from Madagascar. Winger Janet Nandudu converted the first one.
Madagascar were led by a dynamic number eight, Laurence T. Rasoanandrasana, who was full of running and carried the ball tirelessly for the full 80 minutes.
The final day of what has been a thoroughly entertaining tournament will take place onSunday, June 15.
Organised byRugby Africa(
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, the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with the Madagascar Rugby Union, the event returns to Stade Makis in Antananarivo, which previously hosted the 2023 and 2024 editions. This year’s tournament promises a high level of competition as teams continue their development toward future international events, including the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
All matches will bestreamed liveonRugby Africa’s official Facebook pageandRugbyPass TV, ensuring fans across the continent and beyond can follow the action.
Streaming
Match Day 1: Saturday 07 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 13:00 – South Africa (62) vs Uganda (7)
- 15:00 – Kenya (28)vs Madagascar (5)
Match Day 2: Wednesday 11 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 13:00 – South Africa (19) vs Kenya (12)
- 15:00 – Madagascar (20) vs Uganda (24)
Match Day 3: Sunday 15 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 13:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
- 15:00 – South Africa vs Madagascar
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Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
