Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the national rugby squad after their semifinal triumph against Kenya at the Rugby Africa Cup tournament. The Sables defeated their opponents 26-23 during yesterday's match held in Kampala, Uganda. Coach Pieter Benade guided his team through a remarkable second-half turnaround that secured their advancement to the continental championship final. The victory brings Zimbabwe within one match of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup scheduled for Australia. Mnangagwa highlighted the team's fighting spirit as representative of national character and resilience.
Kenya held an 18-13 advantage at halftime before Zimbabwe mounted their comeback effort. The Sables outscored their rivals 13-5 during the final forty minutes to claim the hard-earned victory. Zimbabwe will face Namibia in Saturday's final after the Welwitchias eliminated Algeria with a 21-7 result. The winner of this championship match will earn automatic qualification for the global tournament. Both teams understand the significance of this opportunity given Africa's limited representation at rugby's premier event.
Zimbabwe last participated in Rugby World Cup competition during the 1987 and 1991 tournaments. The southern African nation became the first African representative at the global showcase but has remained absent for more than thirty years. Saturday's final represents their best opportunity to return to international rugby's biggest stage. The Sables must overcome regional rivals Namibia to achieve this long-sought qualification. This championship match will determine which African team joins the world's elite rugby nations in Australia.
Kenya held an 18-13 advantage at halftime before Zimbabwe mounted their comeback effort. The Sables outscored their rivals 13-5 during the final forty minutes to claim the hard-earned victory. Zimbabwe will face Namibia in Saturday's final after the Welwitchias eliminated Algeria with a 21-7 result. The winner of this championship match will earn automatic qualification for the global tournament. Both teams understand the significance of this opportunity given Africa's limited representation at rugby's premier event.
Zimbabwe last participated in Rugby World Cup competition during the 1987 and 1991 tournaments. The southern African nation became the first African representative at the global showcase but has remained absent for more than thirty years. Saturday's final represents their best opportunity to return to international rugby's biggest stage. The Sables must overcome regional rivals Namibia to achieve this long-sought qualification. This championship match will determine which African team joins the world's elite rugby nations in Australia.
