Following a successful pitch by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa Team after years of advocacy and effort, cricket is all set to debut at the African Games 2023 on the 7th of March, 2024. From squads and schedules to broadcasting details and format, below is everything you need to know about the 8-team competition at the Games.
The forthcoming 13th African Games, scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana from March 7th, and holds dual significance. Cricket’s introduction into the Games not only boosts cricket in the region but also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games, following cricket’s recent inclusion as an Olympic sport.
Format:
The competition will feature eight teams split into two groups of four, engaging in round-robin matches where each team will play against the others once. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals. The victors will move on to the final, while the semifinalists will compete for a third-place finish.
Squads:
South Africa – Nobulumko Baneti, Jemma Botha, Annerie Dercksen, Jenna Evans, Gandhi Jafta, Leah Jones, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase (C), Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Jané Winster, Caitlin Wyngaard
Namibia – Yasmeen Khan (C), Kayleen Green, Arrasta Diergaardt, Wilka Mwatile, Mekelaye Mwatile, Mezerly Gorases, Edelle van Zyl, Naomi Benjamin, Saima Tuhadeleni, Victoria Hamunyela, Didi Foerster, Leigh-Marie Visser, Rianie Esterhuizen, Bianca Manuel, Sylvia Shihepo
Tanzania – Neema Justin (C), Aisha Mohammed, Agnes Joseph, Hudaa Omary, Mwanaaid Ammy, Mwanamvua Hamisi, Perice Kamunya, Saidat Simba, Saum Borakambi, Sheila Shamte, Sophia Frank, Swaum Deo, Swaum Godfrey, Tabu Saidi, Josephine Shirima, Rahma Yahya
Nigeria – Etim Blessing, Sunday Salome, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Odunayo, Igbobie Abigail, Etim Sarah, Eseigbe Favour, Adekunle Shola, Agboya Peculiar, Lucky Piety, Esther Sandy, Abdulrasaq Rukayat, Igbinedion Victory, Samson Rachael
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Sharne Mayers, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Tashinga Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelly Kudzai Chigora, Dhururu Chiyedza Teresia, Mujaji Pellagia, Ndhlovu Kelis
Uganda – Consy Aweko (C), Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Awino (WK), Immaculate Nandera, Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Ritah Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Sarah Walaza, Evelyn Anyipo, Gloria Obukor, Sarah Akiteng, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, Phiona Khulume
Kenya – Esther Wangare Wachira (C), Melvin Khagoitsa (VC), Venasa Adhiambo Ooko, Lavendah Alivitsa Idambo, Flavia Atieno Odhiambo, Charity Tiara Muthoni (WK), Veronica Abuga, Kreeshna Mehta, Jemimah Ndanu, Ann Wangui, Mercy Ahono Sifuna, Kelvia Achieno, Judith Ajiambo, Edith Waithaka
Rwanda – Marie Diane Bimenyimana (C), Alice Ikuzwe, Gisele Ishimwe, Merveille Uwase, Belise Murekatete, Clarrise Umutoniwase, Flora Irakoze, Geovanis Uwase, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Marie Josee Tumukunde, Therese Henriette Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Zurufat Ishimwe Mutoniwase, Sylivie Usabyimana
Schedule:
| DATE | MATCHES | TIME (LOCAL) |
07-Mar-2024 |
South Africa v Namibia | 9:30 AM |
| Tanzania v Nigeria | ||
| Uganda v Kenya | 1:50 PM |
|
| Zimbabwe v Rwanda | ||
08-Mar-24 |
Tanzania v South Africa | 9:30 AM |
| Namibia v Nigeria | ||
| Zimbabwe v Uganda | 1:50 PM |
|
| Rwanda v Kenya | ||
10-Mar-24 |
Namibia v Tanzania | 9:30 AM |
| Nigeria v South Africa | ||
| Kenya v Zimbabwe | 1:50 PM |
|
| Rwanda v Uganda | ||
11-Mar-24 |
Semi-Final 1 (A1 v B2) | 9:30 AM |
| Semi-Final 2 (B1 v A2) | 1:50 PM | |
13-Mar-24 |
3rd place playoff | 9:30 AM |
| Final | 1:50 PM |
*All games will be played at Achimota Cricket Ground
Broadcast:
All games of the African Games will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.