Sables stun Namibia to reach Africa Cup final
MICHAEL KARIATI
Zimbabwe’s national rugby team, the Sables, yesterday achieved a stunning 32-10 victory over Namibia at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda to secure a place in the Africa Cup final.
The Sables will now face Algeria at the same Mandela National Stadium on Sunday after the north Africans overcame Kenya 20-12, in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
This was Zimbabwe’s fourth win against Namibia in 35 matches that the two sides have met.
Zimbabwean coach Piet Benard had declared Zimbabwe would fight for their place in the last two against the Namibians.
“We are confident we can put up a good show against our southern African rivals and fight for a spot in the final,” Benard had declared.
The Sables are closer to qualifying for the World Cup as the 2024 Africa Cup is the first stage of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers and features eight teams, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Two teams from the eight participants will be eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers by virtue of their standing at the end of the competition.
Although the 2027 World Cup has been expanded to 24 teams up from 20 in 2023, Africa still remains with one automatic slot although the team that finishes second will get another chance.
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