USD $100 000 On The Table, Sables Beat Kenya 29-23

By Sports reporter

In a nail-biting encounter at the Mandela National Stadium in Nambole, Uganda, Zimbabwe’s Sables secured a hard-fought 29-23 victory over their fierce rivals Kenya in the Rugby Africa Cup semi-finals. This win propels the Sables into the final against Namibia, bringing them one step closer to a long-awaited return to the Rugby World Cup.

The match began with explosive energy as the Sables struck first, showcasing impressive teamwork and a seamless partnership between centers Brendon Mudzekenyedzi and Edward Sigauke. This partnership carved through the Kenyan defense, leading to an exceptional try by Mudzekenyedzi. The early lead was a statement of intent from the Sables.

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, equalizing at 8-8.

Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki then exploited a narrow gap in the Kenyan defense, 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.

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.

As the match drew to a close, the intensity escalated into a tactical and mental contest. Ian 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 turns 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. The Sables will be looking to build on their momentum and secure a historic win against their Namibian counterparts.

Meanwhile, the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa donated US$100,000 to the Sables, He presented the money to the senior rugby team, Thursday, motivating them on the matches set ahead of them. The President encouraged them while congratulating their victory against Morocco.