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Senegal won the final ! – A tedious game saw Senegal win over Tunisia, even if they did not start as favorites for this Africa Cup final. Sadly the spirit and values of rugby were absent from this final and this match won’t go down in history.

Did the Tunisians see themselves win a little bit too soon ? Did the Senegalese, who already lost 3 times against Tunisia, prepare twice as much as usual ? What is sure is that the spectators broke out in a cold sweat watching this very intensive game !

The Senegalese created a big surprise, for the enjoyment of Jean Marc Foucras, national team’s coach. He had just announced recently that this year will be the last one for him as a coach. Regardless of the score, the Lions were very present during the first half and quickly took the lead in the match. Clearly superior in the scrums, they didn’t give much space to the Tunisians. The second half went on and on, the Senegalese team got tired and the Tunisians seized this opportunity to come back to the score. At the 78th minute of the game, Tunisia was now leading 14 to 12 !

The dreams of our Senegalese was vanishing… but the Lions displayed an unfailing determination ! The unthinkable happened : after a huge fight broke out on the field, the referee rekindled the match and a last minute penalty kick was given in favour of the Senegalese ! Finally, the ball went through the posts, final score : 14 to 15 ! Senegal won the Cup and offers its very last victory to its coach.

What should have been a beautiful final was spoiled by many fights which Rugby Africa regrets and condemns severely. The continental body wishes to promote rugby as a unique sport thanks to its spirit of loyalty and values. The disciplinary officers will sanction the responsible players adequately and in accordance with the regulation 17 of World Rugby. In spite of the brawl, the teams cooled down and exchanged congratulations. They also formed a guard of honor for each team in turn.

During the function following the match, the president of Rugby Africa was anxious to remind everyone of the importance of fair play and good rugby to protect and promote the values of the Game.

“The players have an ambassador’s role, they owe to give a good image to the young people and mothers who watch them on television. Let us not forget it, rugby is an hooligans’ sport, practised by gentlemen ! I am very sad of this image sent to the youth.” Abdelaziz Bougja

Furthermore, in parallel of the match, the FTR organized a very beautiful day with a Get Into Rugby activity in the presence of many children followed-up by a veterans’ match involving the actors of the African rugby. The Federation also used the day to organize workshops. Some for the children to raise awareness around the dangers of doping. As well as other workshops for the screening of diabetes.

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