KAMPALA, Uganda – Zimbabwe Sables have knocked out Namibia from the Rugby Africa Cup following a 32-10 victory in the semi-final played at Nelson Mandela Stadium Namboole in Uganda.
Heading to this match, Namibia had won the Rugby African Title six times in a row but Zimbabwe staged a comeback to book Algeria in the final.
Namibia bagged the first three-pointer through Dan Burger, but Zimbabwe had a perfect response, grabbing the opening try following a crosskick by Ian Prior to find unmarked Edward Sigauke, who scored the opening try of the match. The try was converted for a 7-0 lead
The Sables struck again when a kick by winger Takudzwa Musingwini bounced into the hands of Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, who scored under the posts. The try was converted by Prior for a 14-3 lead.
The Zimbabweans maintained their lead going into the break, and in the second half, they picked up from where they left off, gaining an advantage when Namibia lost a front rower to a yellow card.
Zimbabwe landed the third try early in the second half, with Prior releasing a long pass to Tino Mavesere, who gave a short pass to fullback Tapiwa Mafura for a try in the 47th minute.
Mafura was the provider of the fourth try as he raced from his own 22, fended off one marker, sold two dummies, and set up the supporting Mudzekenyedzi to push the scores to a 26-3 lead. Zimbabwe added two three-pointers for a 32-10 lead.
Namibia managed to land a center-post try and converted it, but the gap was too wide for them to close. Namibia has now booked a date against Kenya in the third place playoff. – scrummage.co.ke
