By Tapiwa Chawagarira
KAMPALA— Zimbabwe secured promotion to the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Uganda 26-19 in a dramatic Africa Qualifiers final at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on Sunday.
The Cheetahs had to overcome a hostile home crowd and an early 12-0 deficit before rallying in the second half to claim Africa’s sole qualification spot for the 2027 SVNS 3 competition. The eight-team tournament featured Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal.
Uganda made the stronger start, with Daniel Otim and Malcolm Okello crossing the try line to give the Rugby Cranes a 12-0 advantage.
Zimbabwe, however, refused to panic, as PK Manyakara scored before the interval to reduce the deficit to 12-5 at halftime.
The Cheetahs returned from the break with renewed purpose, and Tatenda Kamubvumbi soon levelled the scores after breaking through the middle.
Manyakara then completed his brace to put Zimbabwe ahead, following a crucial turnover by forward Dion Khumalo, who was among the standout performers for the Cheetahs.
Uganda responded through Nobert Okeny, who intercepted a loose Zimbabwe pass and raced nearly the length of the field to restore parity and set up a tense finish.
With the match seemingly heading toward another nervy conclusion, Zimbabwe produced the decisive moment.
A slick attacking move opened space in the corner for Tavonga Ablant, who grounded the ball to put the Cheetahs back in front and sparked jubilant celebrations from the Zimbabwean camp.
Zimbabwe captain Tapiwa Malenga described the achievement as surreal after his side held their nerve through a difficult final.
“We fought throughout the tournament, and it means a lot to us and the people back home. We stayed in the game and made sure we got that win.”
The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for Zimbabwe, who had earlier navigated a difficult semi-final against neighbours Zambia.
Zimbabwe appeared to have the first semi-final under control after racing to a 19-0 lead, with Carlos Matematema scoring twice and Ryan Musumhi adding another try.
Zambia, however, mounted an extraordinary comeback through Mwamba Chilufya and Elisha Chilufya, levelling the match at 19-19 and putting the Cheetahs under enormous pressure.
It was Trevor Gurwe who eventually rescued Zimbabwe with a last-gasp try, securing a place in the final.
Gurwe’s decisive contribution was particularly significant, as Zimbabwe had earlier gone through the pool stage unbeaten. The Cheetahs opened their campaign with wins over Morocco, Ghana, and Nigeria before beating Zambia 25-19 in their final pool match.
Uganda reached the final after defeating Morocco 10-0 in the other semi-final, with Okello and Otim scoring the tries that sent the hosts to the championship decider.
The tournament carried considerable importance, with only the champion earning Africa’s ticket to the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3. Before the competition, Rugby Africa described the event as an eight-team battle for one qualification place.
Zimbabwe’s success also comes at a crucial stage in the country’s rugby development, with Dion Khumalo and Trevor Gurwe bringing experience from the national 15s side that won back-to-back Rugby Africa Cups in 2024 and 2025 and qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Uganda were left to settle for silver on home soil, while Morocco defeated Zambia 19-17 in the bronze medal match.
For Zimbabwe, however, the celebrations belonged to the Cheetahs, whose comeback from 12 points down in the final secured the tournament trophy and promotion to the next level of the global sevens pathway.
