Zimbabwe Triumphs in Rugby Africa Cup; Uganda Clinches Fifth Place in Thrilling Finish
Zimbabwe triumphed in the Rugby Africa Cup with a commanding 29-3 victory over Algeria, securing the prestigious title. The match, held at a packed stadium, saw Zimbabwe’s Sables dominate the field and showcase their strength in a performance that left no doubts about their superiority.
The competition saw intense matches across various positions. In the third-place playoff, Namibia edged out Kenya with a score of 38-27, while in the fifth-place match, Uganda battled hard to secure a 34-31 win against Senegal. Ivory Coast secured seventh place with a 25-10 victory over Burkina Faso.
The match between Uganda and Senegal, which lasted over 110 minutes, concluded with a dramatic finish. Joseph Aredo’s crucial penalty in the final moments gave Uganda the edge and secured their fifth-place position. The game, starting at noon and ending at 2:20 pm, was fiercely contested, with both teams displaying significant fatigue by the end.
Uganda’s performance began sluggishly, leading to early pressure from Senegal. Despite starting with an early penalty that put them ahead 3-0, Uganda struggled with penalties, allowing Senegal to take the lead with two well-executed tries. The Cranes’ defense was tested throughout the game, but key performances from Alex Aturinda, man of the match Timothy Kisiga, and debutant Arnold Ocen helped Uganda secure the win.
Kisiga expressed pride in the team’s effort despite the slow start. He acknowledged moments of lost concentration but praised the team’s resilience. Captain Ivan Magomu reflected on the tournament, noting areas for improvement and the need for continued development. He emphasized the importance of upcoming test matches for preparing the team for future challenges.
Kenya’s loss to Namibia in the third-place playoff was a closely fought contest, with Namibia ultimately emerging victorious. The defeat meant that Kenya missed out on a higher placement.
Burkina Faso’s loss in the seventh-place playoff relegated them from tier 1A, impacting their chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s victory was marked by their dominant performance against Algeria. The Sables, led by captain Hilton Mudariki, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. Mudariki praised his teammates for their dedication and hard work, celebrating their second Africa Cup title since 2012.
