The stage is set for a tantalizing quarterfinal clash between defending champions Namibia and the underdogs Burkina Faso in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup opener.
The match, which will be played at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and broadcast live on NBS Sport, promises to be a thrilling encounter as the two teams lock horns for a spot in the semifinals.
Namibia, the Rugby XVs powerhouse of Africa, will be looking to continue their dominance in the tournament in their 16th appearance.
The Welwitschias, as they are affectionately known, have been the dominant force in the Rugby Africa Cup, having won the championship a record nine times.
Their most recent triumph came in 2022, and in the tournament, they convincingly defeated Burkina Faso 71-5 in the opening match.
However, Burkina Faso will be determined to cause an upset and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in African XVs rugby.
The West African nation may be ranked 92nd in the World Rugby rankings, but they have shown glimpses of their potential in recent years, and will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
The two teams have faced each other in the past, with Namibia emerging victorious on each occasion.
In their most recent meeting during the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup, the Welwitschias cruised to a comfortable 71-5 win, a victory that showcased their superior skills over Burkina Faso and experience in the tournament.
Namibia will be eager to maintain their winning record against their West African counterparts and secure their tenth title in the tournament.
The Southern Africa nation have an impressive record their ten fixtures against West African opposition, with seven wins, one draw, and only two losses.
Interestingly, both of their losses have come against Ivory Coast, in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Qualifier (12-13) and the 2021/22 Africa Cup Pool A fixture (13-24).
Head coach Allister Coetzee, who has been at the helm since 2021 will coach the Welwitschias in the tournament.
Coetzee guided Namibia to victory in the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup, and secured their spot at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The team will be led by forwards like Jason Benade, Desiderius Sethie, Max Katatjeko Obert Nortje and Armand Combrinck, backline will also be bolstered by the presence of the likes of Jacques Theron, Al Kearns, Denzo Bruwer and Lloyd Jacobs.
On the other hand, while Burkina Faso did not have any standout performers in the previous Rugby Africa Cup, they will be hoping that their collective effort and determination will be enough to upset the defending champions.
The Namibia-Burkina Faso match will kick-off at 10am and will be the first game of the tournament. The winner will face the winner between hosts Uganda and third-ranked team in Africa, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday July 24 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku at 4pm.
