South Africa Women were officially crowned the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup champions after a dominant 61–17 victory over hosts Madagascar at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Sunday.
The emphatic win capped off an unbeaten campaign, handing the South Africans their third straight victory and another continental title.
SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN START
Faith Tshauke opened the scoring just three minutes into the match after a slick attacking move down the left. Zintle Zulu converted for a 7–0 lead, and South Africa Women quickly imposed their authority, running hard lines and controlling territory. Mokone scored twice in the first half, while Dolf added another after sustained forward pressure, with Zulu’s boot keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Despite Madagascar’s trademark expansive play and efforts to spread the ball wide, they struggled to break through South Africa’s disciplined defensive line. After 28 minutes, the visitors were already 28–0 up, and Dolf’s second try, followed by Zulu’s conversion, extended the halftime score to 35–0.
The second half began with the same intensity. Ngwevu powered through several tackles to score before Unam Tose darted over after a strong lineout drive, with both tries converted for a 49–0 lead.
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Madagascar finally gave their home fans something to cheer with a well-worked try by centre Véronique Rasoanekena, followed by another after a rare lapse in South Africa’s defence. However, Kenya’s dominance quickly resumed. Replacement wing Nomawethu Mabenge scored after a turnover, and Ngwevu added her second of the day to bring the tally to 61–12.
Although Madagascar had the last say with a late try, and South Africa’s Leigh Fortuin saw yellow for a dangerous tackle, the result had long been sealed a clinical, structured performance that sealed South Africa Women’s supremacy on the continent.
All Hail South Africa
Once again they are the champions of Africa
The 2025 Women’s Rugby Africa Cup stays in South Africa
They came, they saw and they conquered.
South Africa pic.twitter.com/P5nyhTGkOM— Rugby Afrique (@RugbyAfrique) June 15, 2025
Earlier in the day, Kenya Lionesses produced a ruthless display to thrash Uganda 49–0, bouncing back strongly from their narrow loss to South Africa and ending their campaign on a high finishing second in the competition.
2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Results
Match Day 1 – Saturday 7 June 2025
South Africa 62–7 Uganda
Kenya 28–5 Madagascar
Match Day 2 – Wednesday 11 June 2025
South Africa 19–12 Kenya
Madagascar 20–24 Uganda
Match Day 3 – Sunday 15 June 2025
Kenya 49–0 Uganda
South Africa 61–17 Madagascar
