Namibia, Zimbabwe one win from Rugby World Cup qualification

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The second match day of the Rugby Africa Cup came bearing gifts for both Namibia and Zimbabwe, who have a very realistic chance of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup in Australia come 2027.

The Namibians made quick work of last year’s finalists, Algeria, with a 21-7 victory while Zimbabwe and Kenya played out a spellbinding semifinal that ended 29-24 to the former. The two matches were both pulsating and brought many to the edge of their seats.

Namibia, who are amongst the continent's perennial representatives at the World Cup, have made vast strides from the team that failed to advance out of the group stage this year.

They were very clinical as they dismantled Algeria and showed a greater desire to return to the World Cup by setting the right tone, a big departure from last year's performance.

“Last year, our set pieces didn’t really work out well for us, and I think we didn’t have enough depth in the team, but this year we are fortunate enough to put up a decent performance and just play to the calibre that we should,” stated captain Prince Gaoseb.

More than ever, Namibia has a desire to go back to the World Cup because the competition attracts the best.

“It is where the best players play, it is fast and physical, and every player dreams to play at the World Cup,” explained Gaoseb.

Zimbabwe have never been to the World Cup and sees this as an opportunity to make their dream come true, but the job is not done yet.

“It is an amazing feeling, but we know that there is still a lot of handwork to come. We shall definitely enjoy this moment. The dream lives on for another week, and we cannot wait for next week,” stated Sable’s captain, Hilton Mudriki.

Uganda’s Rugby Cranes have to grapple with the threat of a possible relegation following their disappointing loss to the newly promoted Morocco in the fifth-place semifinal on Sunday.

A few days have gone by, and tempers have mellowed, but the bitter aftertaste of defeat remains. Uganda will now play at 10 o’clock against the Ivory Coast as they aim to stay in the top tier of African Rugby.