Rugby Sevens Debuts at African Games
Rugby sevens made a historic and electrifying debut at the African Games Accra 2023, delivering a spectacle of speed, skill, and high-intensity action in Ghana’s capital.
The condensed 7-a-side format immediately captured attention with thrilling encounters and emphatic scorelines on opening day.
Ghana Light Up Accra
Host nation Ghana provided the biggest highlight of the day, demolishing Benin 53-0 in front of a passionate home crowd.
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The Ghanaian side ran in try after try in a dominant display of blistering pace and slick handling. Benin, who had earlier fallen 32-0 to Tunisia, struggled to cope with the relentless pressure.
Early Shock as Burkina Faso Stun Kenya
The tournament opener produced an immediate upset, as Burkina Faso edged pre-tournament favourites Kenya 10-5 in a tightly contested encounter.
The shock victory set the tone for an unpredictable competition and underlined the growing competitiveness of rugby sevens across the continent.
Uganda and Tunisia Impress
Elsewhere, Uganda secured a solid 14-0 victory over Zimbabwe, while Tunisia’s commanding 32-0 win over Benin further strengthened their early credentials.
Zimbabwe later rebounded impressively, edging Kenya 27-22 in one of the day’s most thrilling matches.
A Successful Introduction
By the close of an action-packed opening day, rugby sevens’ arrival at the African Games had proven an unqualified success. The shortened format captivated new audiences with its relentless pace, eye-catching tries, and dramatic finishes.
Attention now shifts to the women’s tournament, which begins Wednesday and features hosts Ghana taking on Nigeria in what promises to be another compelling chapter of rugby sevens at Accra 2023.
Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
