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)
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