Zimbabwe claim World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 promotion after dramatic final win over Uganda

KAMPALA – Zimbabwe have gained promotion to World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 after beating hosts Uganda 26-19 in a tantalising World Rugby SVNS 3 Africa Qualifiers final on Sunday, following a two-day, high-tempo tournament in Kampala.

The two teams came into the tournament as co-favourites to clinch the title and, true to form, both displayed a blend of enterprising rugby over the weekend, with hosts Uganda ultimately suffering heartbreak in front of a partisan home crowd at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.

Uganda got the home crowd buzzing after racing to a 12-0 lead, with Daniel Otim, one of the tournament’s standout players, bursting through the middle to draw first blood.

Another impressive Uganda player, Malcolm Okello, got onto the scoresheet with the second try of the game when he finished off wide after some delightful exchanges by the Rugby Cranes.

Double-scorer PK Manyakara ensured the game was not over as a contest for Zimbabwe, with his bustling run yielding a welcome try to make it 12-5 at half-time.

After the break, Zimbabwe quickly got the game back on level terms, with Tatenda Kamubvumbi easing through the middle to suddenly send the Kyadondo faithful into silence.

Zimbabwe then took the lead when Manyakara raced to the try-line after some good work by outstanding forward Dion Khumalo, who forced a crucial turnover to set up the Cheetahs speedster.

Nobert Okeny, however, brought Uganda back into the tie, capitalising on a loose pass by Zimbabwe and sprinting almost the full length of the pitch to score.

Then, with the play of the game, a slick move by Zimbabwe saw Tavonga Ablant ground the ball in the corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Zimbabwean players as the referee blew to end the contest.

“Trust me, the win feels surreal,” said Zimbabwe captain Tapiwa Malenga.

“We fought throughout the tournament and it means a lot for us and the people back home. We stayed in the game and made sure we got that win.”

Meanwhile, Zambia will feel disappointed to finish fourth in the tournament, having come so close to beating both finalists, Uganda in their last Pool B game and Zimbabwe in the first semi-final.

The Zambians missed out on the bronze medal after being beaten 19-17 by Morocco. Earlier in the day, Zambia nearly caused an upset in their final Pool B match, with Uganda just holding on to win 19-14 after the Southern Africans missed a good opportunity with a last-minute scrum on the hosts’ try-line.

The Zambians then fought back against Zimbabwe in the first semi-final, recovering from 19-0 down to level the scores at 19-19 and nearly defeating their more fancied neighbours in another nerve-wracking match.

The livewire Trevor Gurwe, however, rescued Zimbabwe with a last-gasp try to set up the final against Uganda.

In the third-place play-off, Zambia scored three well-worked tries through Nkhoma Chisanga and double-scorer Edmond Hamayuwa. Morocco, however, roared back with five-pointers from Adil Achahbar, Youn Ezzemzami and Billal El Khaoulani.

In the first semi-final, the diminutive Carlos Matematema crossed the whitewash twice for Zimbabwe, with Ryan Musumhi also adding another for the champions.

Mwamba Chilufya and Elisha Chilufya then brought Zambia level before Gurwe’s last-minute heroics won the game for Zimbabwe.

Uganda beat Morocco 10-0 in the other semi-final, with Malcolm Okello pulling away to score the first try before Daniel Otim intercepted the ball, covered a long distance and scored for the hosts. – Rugby Africa Media