Weekly round-up: Rugby World Cup brilliance, Diamond League excitement, and more

by | Sep 11, 2023 | Athletics - Mens, Athletics - Womens, Diamond League, Namibia, Rugby, Rugby World Cup, South Africa

The past week has been filled with exciting sports events, showcasing athletic excellence in various disciplines. From the Rugby World Cup to the Diamond League and the World Rowing Championships, fans from around the world have been treated to a thrilling display of sportsmanship.

Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup started with a bang with South Africa securing a resounding victory over Scotland, beating them 18-3 on Sunday, September 10th. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kurt-Lee Arendse played pivotal roles as try-scorers, propelling the Springboks to a well-deserved win. With this triumph, South Africa now proudly stands in second place in Pool B.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for African teams. Namibia faced a tough challenge in their opening match, succumbing to a defeat against Italy with a score line of 8-52 on Saturday, September 9th. This setback has left Namibia occupying the fifth position in Pool A.

Diamond League Brussels

The Diamond League event in Brussels witnessed some outstanding performances from athletes around the globe. Notable gold medallists included Daniel Simiu Ebenyo from Kenya, Djamel Sedjati from Algeria, and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, also from Kenya.

  • Daniel Simiu Ebenyo clinched victory in the Men’s 10,000m race.
  • Djamel Sedjati displayed his prowess by winning the Men’s 800m event.
  • Lilian Kasait Rengeruk demonstrated her skill in the Women’s 5,000m, securing the top spot on the podium.

The World Rowing Championships

The curtains have closed on the World Rowing Championships, where African athletes showcased their exceptional talents by claiming multiple medals throughout the tournament.

Egypt was the top-performing team in Africa, winning four medals including three silver and one bronze.

South Africa’s remarkable talents were on full display as they delivered stellar performances, earning coveted spots at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Notably, the South African Men’s pair, consisting of John Smith and Christopher Baxter, achieved an impressive 6th place finish, securing their well-deserved ticket to compete on the Olympic stage in Paris.

AFCON Qualifiers

In an exciting display of football action, Egypt managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia, with a crucial goal by Mostafa Fathi in the dying moments of the first half. Burkina Faso and Eswatini battled fiercely to a goalless draw in a tightly contested match.

Mali showed their dominance with a resounding 4-0 win against South Sudan, thanks to goals from Ibrahima Kone, Nene Dorgeles, and Kamory Doumbia. Mozambique narrowly defeated Benin 3-2, with Clesio Bauque netting the decisive winner in stoppage time.

Malawi and Guinea had to settle for a goalless draw, while Mauritania emerged victorious in an epic showdown against Gabon, winning 2-1. Gabon managed to score a late stoppage-time goal, but it was too little, too late.

DR Congo showcased their prowess with a confident 2-0 victory over Sudan, courtesy of early goals from Theo Bongonda and Fiston Kalala Mayele. Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lesotho, with Ibrahim Sangare’s early strike proving to be the difference-maker.

Senegal and Rwanda couldn’t break the deadlock, ending their match in a goalless draw. Comoros and Zambia played to a 1-1 draw, with Patson Daka’s late 71st-minute goal earning Zambia the equalizer.

Nigeria delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Sao Tome and Principe with a dominant 6-0 win. Serie A’s top goal scorer, Victor Osimhen, showcased his brilliance by scoring a hattrick.

Togo secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, with Abdou Ouattara’s late 87th-minute winner stealing the show. Gambia and Congo battled to a 2-2 draw, with Muhammed Badamosi’s dramatic 90th-minute goal salvaging a point for Gambia.

Wheelchair Tennis excellence 

Kgothatso Montjane and her Japanese partner, Yui Kamiji, secured their second Grand Slam victory of the year at the US Tennis Open. The dynamic duo won the doubles final by walkover after one of their opponents fell ill and was unable to play.

Donald Ramphadi and his partner Andy Lapthrone demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the quads event at the US Tennis Open, earning a well-deserved runner-up position. Despite their valiant efforts, they fell short in the final, losing 6-1, 6-2 to their opponents.

Photo credit: Gallo Images

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