Zimbabwe edged Namibia by two points to win the Rugby Africa Cup and qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Zimbabwe clinched their first Rugby World Cup qualification in over three decades by narrowly defeating Namibia 30–28 in a tense Rugby Africa Men’s Cup final in Kampala on Saturday.
The Sables, last seen on rugby’s biggest stage in 1991, showed grit and poise to lift the continental title and secure their place at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The victory also marked back-to-back Africa Cup championships, following their win in the 2024 edition.
How Zimbabwe Edged Namibia To Seal Historic Rugby World Cup Qualification
Both teams traded early blows in a frantic opening half. Zimbabwe centre Kudzai Mashawi opened the try count with a powerful finish off a lineout strike move, while Namibia captain Prince Gaoseb responded with a converted try after Zimbabwe’s Jason Fraser was yellow-carded. The half-time score was level at 16-16.
After the break, Zimbabwe regained control through their forwards. Player of the match Godfrey Muzanargwo powered over from close range, before Brandon Mudzekenyedzi sliced through to put the Sables up by 14.
Namibia, refusing to fold, fought back. Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen scored late tries, narrowing the gap to just two points heading into the final minutes. In the 79th minute, Tiaan Swanepoel attempted a long-range penalty to win it for Namibia, but the kick drifted wide, confirming Zimbabwe’s dramatic qualification.
For Zimbabwe, the final whistle in Kampala marked more than a win — it symbolised a return to rugby’s elite and a new era of belief for the Sables.
Reaction: “We’re Not Going There To Just Compete”
Speaking after the final whistle, Muzanargwo hailed the team’s unity and the coaching staff for their preparation.
“We don’t want to go to the World Cup just to be there,” said the lock. “We want to go there and compete and put Zimbabwe on the map.”
The victory sparked emotional celebrations among players and staff, with several dedicating the win to fans back home.
Work Begins For Australia 2027
Zimbabwe’s last World Cup appearance was in 1991, and the long wait made Sunday’s result even more significant.
With two and a half years to prepare for the 2027 tournament, Muzanargwo stressed the urgency of planning ahead: “It’s back to the drawing board. The work starts now.”
Head coach Brendon Dawson praised the players’ determination and composure under pressure, highlighting their improved game management since last year’s title run.
Where To From Here For Namibia?
While Namibia’s defeat ended their automatic qualification hopes, they still have a pathway to the World Cup. They will face the UAE next Saturday in an Asia/Africa playoff to reach the final qualification tournament.
Elsewhere, Algeria finished third in the Rugby Africa tournament with a 15-5 win over Kenya. Senegal triumphed 33-28 over Morocco in a golden point thriller, and Uganda avoided relegation with a 37-17 victory over the Ivory Coast.
