South Africa beat Kenya 19-10 in a thrilling final to retain their Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title and conclude a stellar two-day competition at the University of Ghana rugby field.

The South Africans, stretched for the first time in the competition, had fallen behind to an early try after Kenya’s Stellah Wafula became the first player to score against the red-hot Lady Blitzboks.

The exciting Ayanda Malinga then finished off in the corner after a scrum across the field to level the score for South Africa.

In the second half, Sharon Auma restored Kenya’s lead with a blistering try, but South Africa responded when Felicia Jacobs’ superb support running saw her finish off Zihtle Mphupa’s line break for a converted try.

With the score 12-10 in favor of South Africa, the pumped-up Kenyans poured forward and threatened to snatch victory at the end. But South Africa’s defense remained resolute, and Jacobs sealed the win with a try at the death after another solo run from the powerful Mphupa.

Both South Africa and Kenya qualified for the 2025 Challenger Series, with Uganda securing the third remaining spot after a 17-5 third-place playoff win over Madagascar.

The 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament was organized by Rugby Africa, the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, in partnership with the Government of Ghana.

The tournament brought together 12 national women’s teams at full strength, featuring nations such as reigning 2023 champions South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire.

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

Pool B: Kenya, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, Côte D’Ivoire