Zimbabwe Triumphs in Rugby Africa Men’s Cup 2024: Sables Secure First Title in Over a Decade
Zimbabwe’s rugby team, the Sables, achieved a historic victory in the Rugby Africa Men’s Cup, defeating Algeria 29-3 in the final held in Kampala, Uganda.
Zimbabwe hasn’t won a championship since 2012, and this victory has raised their standing in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings to its highest point in nine years.
In the capital of Uganda, Kampala, Zimbabwe defeated Algeria 29-3 on Sunday to win the Rugby Africa Men’s Cup for the first time in twelve years.
The Sables were vying for their second championship after winning the competition for the first time in 2012, while Algeria had advanced to the final thanks to convincing victories over Kenya and Ivory Coast. With four touchdowns scored and no tries conceded in response, Zimbabwe proved to be the deserving winners on the day.
Trevor Gurwe, a right wing, put the Sables ahead with a couple of touchdowns in the first half, but they couldn’t settle in until the last seven minutes of play, when scores from openside Godfrey Muzanargwo and replacement front-row Liam Larkan sealed the victory.
For each and every athlete and staff member, this is their dream come true. Hilton Mudariki, the captain of Zimbabwe, said, “We dedicate this victory to the millions of Zimbabweans who have supported us throughout our journey.”
This is only the start, and we’re determined to build on our achievements. This victory is for the 16 million Zimbabweans living all over the world, not only the team.
When the World Rugby Men’s Rankings are formally updated at 12 p.m. on Monday, Zimbabwe will be rated 28th, which is their highest ranking since they were 26th in November 2015.
Algeria began the month ranked 69th, but their run to their first final will see them finish at a record high of 58th. In the semi-finals, Zimbabwe halted Namibia’s ten-year run as African champions, which includes six titles.
Nevertheless, the Welwitchias recovered to defeat Kenya 38–27 on Sunday, and inside center Denzo Bruwer’s boot scored 18 points in the victory, keeping them from falling below 25th in the rankings.
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Kenya, who lost to Algeria in the semifinals, has now suffered two losses in a week, dropping the Simbas to 37th place.
hosts of tournaments Uganda defeated Senegal 34–31 to take fifth place. After 104 minutes of rugby, the match was won by Joseph Aredo’s penalty that broke the uprights.
After climbing one spot in a week, Uganda will pass Kenya in 36th place when the rankings are updated.
Ivory Coast defeated Burkina Faso 23-10 to win the play-off for seventh place, although they will still finish 62nd in the rankings, six spots worse.