KAMPALA, Uganda — Zimbabwe edged Namibia 30-28 on Saturday to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending a 34-year absence from the tournament and halting Namibia’s streak of eight consecutive qualifications.
The win in the Rugby Africa Cup final at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala was Zimbabwe’s second straight title and their first ticket to the World Cup since 1991.
The two teams matched each other point for point, try for try, and card for card in a first half that ended 16-16. Zimbabwe’s Ian Prior and Namibia’s Cliven Loubser traded penalties before Kudzai Mashawi finished off a well-executed lineout strike move to put Zimbabwe ahead.
A penalty followed after Namibia’s Jacques Theron was shown a yellow card, but Namibia responded when captain Prince Goaseb scored after Zimbabwe’s Jason Fraser was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
Zimbabwe broke the deadlock early in the second half through Godfrey Muzanargwo, who powered over the line after sustained pressure. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi added another try on the hour mark to give Zimbabwe a commanding lead.
Namibia refused to fold. Jay-Cee Nel scored from the restart, and Adriaan Booysen added a try under the posts to narrow the gap to two points with 10 minutes remaining.
Tiaan Swanepoel had a chance to steal the win in the 79th minute, but his long-range penalty from inside his own half sailed just wide.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration as Zimbabwe booked their return to the world stage.
Hilton Mudariki, the only survivor from Zimbabwe’s near-miss in 2014, led the team with experience, while standout backline player Brian Mashawi was instrumental with his powerful carries and crucial turnovers that unsettled Namibia.
Namibia will now face the United Arab Emirates, runners-up of the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, next Saturday in the Asia/Africa play-off. The winner will progress to the Final Qualification Tournament in November for one last shot at a World Cup berth.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will join the world’s best in Australia in 2027.
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