Zimbabwe Sables booked their spot in Rugby Africa Cup semifinals after they outsmarted stubborn Morocco 43-8 in Namboole Stadium, Kampala.
Morocco struck first within the first three minutes of the game when they scored a try off a rolling maul. Conversion attempt went wide. Zimbabwean fly-half, Ian Prior cut the deficit minutes later with a penalty goal after Morocco were penalised for being offside.
Zimbabwe Sables lead
Zimbabwe got into the lead for the first time through the boot of Ian Prior after he successfully converted a penalty goal to give his side a 6-5 lead.
With rains slowing down, Zimbabwe Sables seemed to be getting into their rhythm and it was their danger man, Tapiwa Mafura who went over for a try in the corner.
Ian Prior did well to manage the conversion despite being in a tricky angle to extend their lead to 13-5.
And just on the stroke of halftime, Ian Prior would again punish the Atlas Lions with another penalty goal infront of the sticks after the North Africans were found too eager on the defence.
In the second half, the Moroccans started well pinning the Sables. The pressure would culminate with Ilan El Khattabi scoring a penalty goal to cut the deficit to 16-8 in what was their only points of the half.
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With conditions starting to be firm in the underfoot, Zimbabwean running rugby came into play. Brilliant counter attack play saw Zimbabwe landing their second try through Edward Sigauke. Ian Prior still flawless with his boot, converted Sigauke’s try.
Moments later, Trevor Gurwe crossed over for Sables after he was put in space by Tapiwa Mafura. Prior converted to give his side a 33-8 lead. Prior would then extend their lead after adding a penalty goal just infront of the uprights for a 36-8 score.
Tadiwanashe Ngwashu would score the last try of the game to seal the win for the Zimbabweans late in the game.
Zimbabwe will play the winner between Kenya vs Uganda match in the semifinals.
