Cameroon make memorable return to international women’s rugby

Cameroon mark women’s international rugby retunr

JOHANNESBURG, June 10 (ANA) – The Cameroon women’s rugby team marked their return to the international stage for the first time in nearly a decade with a 37-0 demolishment of hosts Burkina Faso, in Ouagadougou, on Wednesday.

The start was first delayed by heavy rain, and the match began an hour late as a result.

In the first half, the Cameroonian team displayed their superior ball-carrying abilities. After number eight Prisco Rosine N’Dingo opened the scoring in the second minute, the Lionesses scored three unconverted tries bringing the score to 15-0 in their favour. In the 26th minute, N’Dingo received a yellow card for a high tackle.

After the break, Cameroon scored four tries including a single conversion.

Velhyr Dabiré, coach of the Burkina Faso women’s team, insisted that the opposition were technically superior and possessed more international experience.

Burkina Faso captain Yvette Sawadogo, however, remained confident that her side could still compete in their next match against Cameroon.

Cameroonian coach Jacques Tchon Lahui said the score could have been higher, but the Burkina Faso defence was still able to prevent his side from running riot.

This women’s competition is part of Rugby Africa’s plan to develop 15-team competitions in the next four-year period.

In fact, Rugby Africa has placed renewed emphasis on the women’s game on the continent. Rugby Africa on Wednesday announced its plan to expand the knowledge of women match officials on the continent through a new online course for referees. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman