Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key facts about the Rugby Africa Cup:
Zimbabwe Wins Rugby Africa cup, Returns to Top Table of International Rugby
Victory: Zimbabwe (the Sables) successfully defended their Rugby Africa Cup title, marking their return to the top tier of international rugby tournaments for the first time since 1991.
Opponent in Final: Namibia.
Player of the Match: Godfrey Muzanargwo (Zimbabwe’s second row).
Muzanargwo’s Quote: He emphasized that the work “starts now” and that Zimbabwe wants to “compete and put Zimbabwe on the map” at the World cup, not just participate. He also credited the win to “support from back home,” coaches, and teammates.
Final Match Details:
The first half was closely contested, with both teams trading points and tries.
Zimbabwe took an early lead through a try by Kudzai Mashawi and a penalty.
Namibia responded with a try by captain Prince !Gaoseb after a yellow card for Zimbabwe’s Jason Fraser.
The first half ended 16-16.
In the second half, zimbabwe extended their lead with tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi.
Namibia fought back with tries from Jay-Cee Nel and adriaan booysen, making it a two-point game with 10 minutes left.
Namibia’s Tiaan Swanepoel missed a crucial long-range penalty in the 79th minute that could have given them the lead. Namibia’s next Step: Namibia will play UAE in an Asia/africa play-off for a chance to qualify for the Final Qualification Tournament.
Other Tournament results:
Third Place: Algeria defeated Kenya 15-5.
Fifth Place: Senegal beat Morocco 33-28 in a golden try match (108th minute).
Seventh Place: Hosts Uganda secured their first win of the tournament, beating Côte d’Ivoire 37-17 to avoid relegation.
