FT Manjakaray has toppled the giant. In a final contested until the very last minutes, the rugby players of FT Manjakaray defeated SC Besarety (21-17) on Sunday at the Makis Andohatapenaka stadium, putting an end to the long-standing dominance of the multiple-time Madagascar champions in the women’s first division.
The Manjakaray players secured the national title after a duel full of twists and turns. This victory marks a turning point in Malagasy women’s rugby, as SC Besarety had long reigned over the discipline at the national level.
The match kicked off at 1:11 PM with SC Besarety quickly taking the initiative. By putting the Manjakaray defense to the test, they capitalized on their dominance in the 6th minute with a try by Tina Jinah, opening the score at 5-0.
FT Manjakaray reacted fourteen minutes into the match by scoring their first try. The FTM rugby players briefly took the lead, 7-5, before both teams continued their tug-of-war at a steady pace.
Despite the temporary exclusion of their number 6, who received a yellow card in the 24th minute, FTM resisted their opponent’s assaults. However, SC Besarety regained control in the 33rd minute by scoring their second try. At halftime, SCB led 12-7.
Returning from the locker room, FT Manjakaray showed a completely different face. Their players gradually gained the upper hand, particularly in the scrums, and established themselves in the opponent’s half. Their efforts were rewarded with a converted try, allowing them to retake the lead, 14-12.
SC Besarety did not take long to react. In the 55th minute, a new try allowed the defending champions to move ahead again, 17-14. But three minutes later, Manjakaray regained control thanks to a penalty try, bringing the score to 21-17. Despite the final offensives from SCB, the FTM players held firm until the final whistle, securing the national title.
“We are very happy to have managed to take down SC Besarety, who have dominated women’s rugby for almost a decade. It is a well-deserved victory and we are going to celebrate,” rejoiced Mamy Andriamaro, coach of FT Manjakaray.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-27 06:09:10 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/rugby-xv-feminin-manjakaray-detrone.html