Senegal women’s rugby team head coach, El Hadji Omar Cissé, has named a 12-player squad set to represent the country at the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s tournament, scheduled to take place from November 9 to 10, 2024, at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Accra, Ghana.
The tournament, organized by Rugby Africa, brings together twelve of the continent’s top teams competing for the African title and a chance to qualify for the 2025 Challenger Series, a global sevens qualifier.
The Senegalese squad, a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, will be aiming for a top-three finish, which would secure them a spot in the Challenger Series and potentially bring them one step closer to competing on the world stage. Senegal has been drawn into Pool C, where they will face strong competition from Uganda, Zambia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Known for their resilience and tactical play, the team is expected to put up a formidable fight in their bid for continental glory.
Senegal’s 12-player roster includes representatives from some of the country’s leading clubs, with a significant contingent coming from Heroes, a club that has developed a reputation for producing elite players. The Heroes club is represented by Fatoumata Ba, Yvonne Mendy, Marieme Coumba Barry, Amy Nyafouna, Awa Ciss, Coumba Ndiaye, Aby Sene, and Safiétou Goudiaby, forming the core of the team. Meanwhile, Lionesses players Mariama Augustine France Diallo, Aicha Joelle Madeleine Badji, and Absa Cherif Aidara bring experience and skill, alongside Oumy Diouf from Dougar, who adds depth to the lineup.
The Senegalese delegation is set to depart for Ghana on November 7, giving the players a brief window to acclimate before the competition begins.
Senegal’s women’s team enters the tournament with high hopes, representing not only their nation but also the growing strength of women’s rugby in West Africa.
