Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE’S Sables edged past their fierce rivals Kenya with a nail-biting 29-23 victory in the Rugby Africa Cup semi-finals at the Mandela National Stadium, Nambole, Uganda yesterday.
This hard-fought win secures the Sables a place in the final against Namibia, bringing them one step closer to a long-awaited return to the Rugby World Cup.
The match opened with explosive energy as the Sables struck first, demonstrating impressive teamwork early on. A seamless partnership between centres Brendon Mudzekenyedzi and Edward Sigauke carved through the Kenyan defence, leading to an exceptional try by the former. The early lead was a statement of intent from the Sables.
Kenya, known for their flamboyant style and resilience, quickly retaliated with a try of their own, though they failed to convert, levelling the score at 5-5. The Sables regained composure as Ian Prior slotted a penalty, nudging Zimbabwe ahead 8-5.
The match settled into a tactical battle, with both teams fiercely contesting possession and territory. A critical turning point came when Kenya’s Griffin Chao received a yellow card for a cynical infringement, granting the Sables a brief numerical advantage.
Despite this, Kenya clawed back with a penalty, equalising at 8-8. Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki then exploited a narrow gap in the Kenyan defence, scoring a try as the defending champions reclaimed the lead. The Kenyans responded swiftly again, adding a try of their own and taking a narrow 13-11 lead.
In a tense first half, Tapiwa Mafura dazzled with his evasive running, pushing Zimbabwe forward. Prior then missed a penalty opportunity that could have shifted momentum, allowing Kenya to capitalize on a defensive lapse and score again, taking an 18-13 lead into halftime. The second half commenced with both teams displaying relentless energy.
Zimbabwe’s Victor Mupunga returned from an injury, adding grit to the front row. Substitute Aiden Burnett made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial try beside the posts following a dominant forward drive, which Prior converted, putting the Sables back in front at 20-18. As the match drew to a close, the intensity escalated into a tactical and mental contest.
Prior extended Zimbabwe’s lead with a well-placed drop goal, making it 23-18. With time running out, a penalty awarded to Zimbabwe saw Prior step up once more, calmly converting from outside the 22-yard line to stretch the lead to 26-18.
Desperation set in for Kenya as they sought a try and penalty in the final minutes. In a last-ditch effort, Prior sealed the victory with another long-range penalty, pushing the score to 29-18.
Although Kenya managed a consolation try, the Sables held firm as the final whistle blew, silencing the Kenyan vuvuzelas and igniting a celebratory chorus from the Zimbabwean and Ugandan fans. With this hard-fought victory, Zimbabwe now turn their sights to Namibia in a final that promises to be a monumental showdown, with a coveted ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup at stake. Finals Day fixtures
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Saturday, July 19: 7th Place Final (1000hrs); 5th Place Final (1200hrs); 3rd Place Final (1400hrs); Championship Final (1600hrs)
