The Zimbabwe Sables edged out the Uganda Rugby Cranes with a close 22-20 victory. Despite a shaky start, Uganda’s spirited second-half performance nearly turned the game around.
The game began with Zimbabwe seizing control, quickly establishing a 12-0 lead. Tries from wingers Takudzwa Musingwini and Edward Sigauke, along with a conversion by Ian Prior, set the tone. Uganda struggled to keep up, facing challenges in their set pieces and losing ground in the ruck and scrum. Adding to their troubles, Opio Julius received a yellow card, leaving Uganda short-handed. Zimbabwe capitalized on this advantage, adding another ten points through a penalty and a powerful try by center Kudzai Mashawi, concluding the first half with a commanding 22-0 lead.
The second half painted a different picture as Uganda introduced Joseph Aredo and Alex Aturinda, who brought new energy to the team. Philip Wokorach led the charge, scoring a penalty and then a spectacular try set up by Timothy Kisiga, narrowing the gap to 22-10. Wokorach continued to inspire his team, adding another penalty and assisting, Innocent Thomas Gwokto, for a try that brought the score to a nail-biting 22-20.
In the closing stages of the match, Wokorach attempted a long-range penalty that could have secured a dramatic victory for Uganda. Unfortunately, the kick fell short, and Zimbabwe managed to hold on to their slim lead. This victory extends Zimbabwe’s unbeaten streak against Uganda to seven years.
With this win, Zimbabwe advances to the semifinals, where they will face Namibia. Meanwhile, Uganda will regroup and prepare to face Burkina Faso in the placement games.
