Zimbabwe rugby team affectionately known as the sables kicked off their 2018 Africa Gold cup with a disappointing 23 all Draw against Morroco at Harare Sports Club.
The host where unconvincing the bulk of the match.
The Sables were quick out of the blocks scoring two quick tries through debutant fullback Shingie Katsvere and where both converted by the mercurial boot of Lenience Tamberwa.
Katsvere rarely put a foot wrong and was one of the outstanding players in a Sables shirt.
Zimbabwe failed to keep their shape and lost a lot of balls in contact. Morroco bullied Sables at the breakdown and inflicted a lot of turnovers.
The common cancer of failing to defend which has been dodging Zimbabwe for years was evident once more as they allowed the visitors back into the match with sloppy defence and missing a lot of tackles.
The North Africans got their first five points through Ismail Nassik and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck through three penalties by Hridouch Chair.
Morroco got their second try courtesy of their lively wing Cadiri Karim.
Sables stayed in the match with Tamberwa kicking as he managed to slot home three penalties.
Zimbabwe almost stole the match at the death but Tamberwa penalty kick was astray ending the match in a stalemate.
Peter Devillers charges now have a mountain to climb now if they are to stand any chance to qualify for the 2019 rugby world cup to be held in Japan.
Sables now have to win all four of their remaining matches and hope other results go in their favour.
Share Your Comments