Madagascar edge Kenya Morans again to book SA in Africa Men’s 7s final; set for HSBC SVNs 3

By Luvisia Amanga

Posted on June 22, 2025

2025 Rugby Africa Cup captains. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique/FB

Madagascar registered a third consecutive win over Kenya Morans, edging them 14-12 to book a place in the Africa Men’s 7s final against South Africa A and secure a spot in the HSBC SVNS Three next season.

Having already beaten the Morans twice in the 2024 edition, the Makis were looking to complete a treble, and despite playing with a man down for four minutes, they held firm to claim victory.

Madagascar vs Kenya Morans

Madagascar dominated possession early on but were met by a resolute Kenyan defence. Their first real test came two minutes into the match when they lost a key player to a yellow card.

The Morans capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Chrissant Ojwang scoring the opening try. However, teenager Jackson Siketi failed to convert, leaving the score at 5-0.

Despite being a man down, Madagascar held on to avoid further damage. In the second half, they struck twice in quick succession to take a 14-5 lead.

Another yellow card for Madagascar—this time turning into a red due to an earlier infringement—gave Kenya hope. William Mwanji set up Siketi, who crossed over for a converted try to close the gap to 14-12.

However, late errors by the Morans allowed the Makis to score again and seal a 19-14 win, booking their spot in the final and a place in next season’s HSBC SVNS Three.

In the other semi-final, South Africa A overcame a spirited Zimbabwe side 19-12 in a closely contested match.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

South Africa retained possession from the kickoff and struck first through Mfundo Ndhlovu, whose try was converted by Ricardo Duartte for a 7-0 lead.

Zimbabwe hit back through speedster Edward Sigauke, who raced downfield for a try that was converted to level the scores at 7-7.

South Africa regained the lead when Sebastian Jobb took a quick tap following a penalty and dived in at the corner. They led 12-7 heading into halftime after missing a couple of late opportunities.

Zimbabwe held firm early in the second half, even after a costly error gave South Africa a five-metre scrum. But the pressure finally told as Jobb beat his markers to score under the posts, with the conversion making it 19-7.

Dion Kumalo managed a late try for Zimbabwe, but with time already expired, they couldn’t complete the comeback, handing South Africa A a place in the final.