Defending champions Namibia were left stunned after a 32-10 defeat against Zimbabwe in their Rugby Africa Cup semi-final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Wednesday July 24.
This unexpected loss ended Namibia’s decade-long dominance in the competition, where they have clinched the title six times in the past ten years.
The match, which was broadcast live on NBS Sport, saw Namibia’s hopes of a title defense and a 10th championship dashed by a determined Zimbabwean side.
The Sables, who were chasing their first title since their 2012 triumph in Tunisia, showed remarkable skill and resilience to overpower the Welwitschias.
Namibia opened the scoring with an early penalty, taking a 3-0 lead. However, their lead was short-lived as Zimbabwe responded with a well-executed try, converted to take a 7-3 lead.
Zimbabwe’s Ian Prior orchestrated the Sables’ attack, setting up Brandon Mudzekenyedzi for a try, with Prior adding the extras. By the 20th minute, Zimbabwe had extended their lead to 14-3.
Despite Namibia’s efforts to claw back with penalty attempts, they were unable to capitalise, hitting the uprights twice.
Zimbabwe continued their assault, with Tapiwa Mafura and Mudzekenyedzi combining for another try to make it 26-3.
Prior’s precision kicking further extended Zimbabwe’s lead with a penalty conversion, making it 29-3 by the 65th minute.
Namibia finally broke through Zimbabwe’s formidable defense with a try from Denzo Bruwer, which was converted to bring the score to 32-10 in the 78th minute.
However, it was too little too late, and the match ended with a resounding victory for Zimbabwe.
The Sables will now face Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup Final on Sunday, July 28, at Namboole. Algeria secured their spot in the final after a 20-12 win over Kenya earlier on.
Having edged hosts Uganda and Namibia, Zimbabwe advance to the final with confidence and momentum.
The Sables are set to put up a challenge for their second Rugby Africa Cup title, promising an exciting showdown against Algeria.
Meanwhile, Namibia will compete against Kenya in the third-place final. All the matches will be live on NBS Sport.
