Zimbabwe Sables clinch Rugby Africa Cup 2024 trophy with commanding win over Algeria

TAWANDA CHARI 

KAMPALA – The Zimbabwe senior men's rugby team, the Sables, triumphed in the Rugby Africa Cup 2024 final with a huge 29-3 victory over Algeria at Mandela Stadium, Uganda, on Sunday.

Path to the final

Heading into the final, the Sables were on a high after a remarkable semifinal performance that saw them dethrone Namibia, the six-time consecutive champions. 

Their semifinal victory was a significant morale booster, setting the stage for a determined final showdown.

Algeria also had an impressive run, having eliminated Kenya's Simbas, the perennial second-place finishers, in their semifinal clash. 

Both teams entered the final with notable momentum and high expectations.

Match breakdown

Zimbabwe struck first when Trevor Gurwe sliced through Algeria's defense, scoring a try under the posts, which was successfully converted, giving the Sables an early 7-0 lead. 

Algeria responded with a penalty kick from Julien Serge Caminati, narrowing the gap to 7-3. 

As the half drew to a close, the Sables extended their lead through Edward Sigauke for Zimbabwe's second try. The halftime score stood at 12-3 in favor of Zimbabwe.

The second half began with both teams missing penalty attempts. 

Zimbabwe managed to break the deadlock with a successful penalty kick, followed by a try from a maul, pushing the score to 22-3. 

In the dying minutes, Keegan Joubert sealed the victory with a final try, concluding the match at 29-3.

Tournament overview

This year's tournament was a thrilling display of rugby prowess, with Zimbabwe and Algeria delivering significant upsets in the semifinals. 

Zimbabwe's victory is particularly meaningful, given their historical struggles against Namibia and Kenya. 

This win not only marks their resurgence but also highlights their potential to dominate African rugby.

Sables coach Piet Benade was named coach of the tournament, while Tapiwa Mafura was awarded the best player accolade. 

Kenya falls to Namibia in bronze match

In the third-place playoff, Kenya's Simbas faced Namibia, resulting in a 38-22 defeat.

Traditionally strong contenders, both teams found themselves vying for third place after unexpected semifinal losses. 

Namibia secured the bronze, while Kenya finished fourth.

Zimbabwe Sables Squad:

1. Victor Mupunga

2. Simba Mandioma

3. Bornwell Gwinji

4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa

5. Simba Siraha

6. Godfrey Muzanargwo

7. Dylan Utete

8. Aiden Burnett (VC)

9. Hilton Mudariki (C)

10. Tapiwa Mafura

11. Trevor Gurwe

12. Kudzai Mashawi

13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi

14. Edward Sigauke

15. Takudzwa Musingwini

Reserves:

16. Liam Larkan

17. Zvikomborero Chimoto

18. Brian Makamure

19. David Makamba

20. Tadiwa Gwashu

21. Darell Makwasha

22. Keegan Joubert

23. Dion Khumalo

Final Standings:

1. Zimbabwe

2. Algeria

3. Namibia

4. Kenya

5. Uganda

6. Senegal

7. Ivory Coast

8. Burkina Faso (relegated to the repechage)