Uganda . . . . . . . . . . (10) 15 Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . (8) 25
The Zimbabwe senior rugby side the Sables took a giant step towards rebuilding their brand after overcoming hosts Uganda, 15-25 in their backyard in their first match in the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup Division 1B in Kampala, on Sunday.
Harare Sports Club centre Tangai Nemadire, who was on Sunday playing as wing, put down the Sables’ first try in the eight minute as the Sables took control of the match from the first whistle.
Flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya then slotted home a penalty in the 35th minute before prop Denford Mutamangira touched down in the 48th minute.
Makwanya, who had a good game, successfully converted, before utility back Gardner Nechironga, who was on Sunday operating at centre, touched down yet another converted try for the Sables.
A drop goal by Makwanya put the icing on the cake after the stunned Uganda side fought back in vain to try and get back into the match.
The odds were heavily staked against the Sables, who went into the tournament as the lowest ranked of the participating teams on the International Rugby Board (IRB) rankings.
However after going to the break trailing 10-8, the Sables who went into the match as underdogs, fought gallantly in the second half for the hard-fought win which put them firmly in the driving seat in the tournament.
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The Sables will have their fate in their hands as a win in their next match against Madagascar on Wednesday would see them winning the tournament and further move up on the IRB rankings.
The team which finishes top of the group would have secured automatic promotion to group 1A whose teams have the right to compete in the World Cup qualifiers. Group 1A consists of Namibia, Tunisia, Morocco and Kenya in that order on the rankings and will play their tournament in Nairobi in November this year. The last team in group IA will be demoted to group 1B next year.
