In a remarkable display of rugby prowess, the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, secured a resounding 29-3 victory over Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup 2024 final at Mandela Stadium in Kampala Uganda on Sunday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean rugby, showcasing their resurgence on the continental stage.
The Sables entered the final riding high on confidence after a stunning semifinal performance where they dethroned Namibia, the six-time consecutive champions. This victory not only boosted their morale but also set the stage for a determined final showdown. Algeria, too, had an impressive journey to the final, having defeated Kenya’s Simbas, the perennial second-place finishers, in their semifinal clash. Both teams entered the final with notable momentum and high expectations.
Zimbabwe struck first in the final when Trevor Gurwe sliced through Algeria’s defense to score a try under the posts, which was successfully converted, giving the Sables an early 7-0 lead. Algeria responded with a penalty kick from Julien Serge Caminati, narrowing the gap to 7-3. As the half drew to a close, Zimbabwe extended their lead through Edward Sigauke, who scored the Sables’ second try. The halftime score stood at 12-3 in favor of Zimbabwe.
The second half saw both teams initially missing penalty attempts, but Zimbabwe managed to break the deadlock with a successful penalty kick. This was followed by a try from a maul, pushing the score to 22-3. In the dying minutes, Keegan Joubert sealed the victory with a final try, concluding the match at 29-3.
This year’s Rugby Africa Cup was a thrilling display of rugby talent, with both Zimbabwe and Algeria delivering significant upsets in the semifinals. Zimbabwe’s victory is particularly meaningful, given their historical struggles against powerhouses like Namibia and Kenya. This win not only marks their resurgence but also highlights their potential to dominate African rugby. Sables coach Piet Benade was named coach of the tournament, while Tapiwa Mafura received the best player accolade.
In the third-place playoff, Kenya’s Simbas faced Namibia, resulting in a 38-22 defeat. Traditionally strong contenders, both teams found themselves vying for third place after unexpected semifinal losses. Namibia secured the bronze, while Kenya finished fourth.
The final standings for the tournament were as follows: Zimbabwe first, Algeria second, Namibia third, and Kenya fourth. Uganda, Senegal, and Ivory Coast followed, with Burkina Faso being relegated to the repechage.
This victory for the Sables is a testament to their hard work and determination, signaling a new era of promise and potential for Zimbabwean rugby on the African continent.
