Defending champions Zimbabwe managed to secure a hard-fought 35-23 victory over their rivals Namibia at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Namibia started the match strongly and struck first with a try in the corner by full back Liam Dick, taking an early 5-0 lead.
However, Zimbabwe quickly responded as towering lock Thabani Ndlovu crossed the whitewash after running a superb line, converted by skipper Benoni Nhekairo, to give the Junior Sables a 14-5 advantage.
Speedster Edward Sigauke extended Zimbabwe’s lead to 14-8 with a quick tap penalty and sprint to the try box, before Namibia closed the gap with a penalty kick from Petrus Tromp, making it 14-11.
Nhekairo added a penalty of his own to make it 17-11 at halftime. Zimbabwe continued their momentum in the second half as loosehead prop Emmanuel Gabi crashed over for a converted try.
Namibia fought back with a brilliant individual effort from winger Jurgen Meyer, scoring a try to bring the score to 24-18.
However, the Junior Sables responded with a sensational try from winger Shammah Jackson, extending their lead to 29-18.
Namibia continued to battle with strong forward play, scoring another try to narrow the gap to 29-23.
Zimbabwe sealed the victory with two late penalties from Wayne Kunaka and Tinotenda Rusike, ultimately holding on for a hard-fought win over Namibia.
In the earlier match, Kenya proved to be too strong for Tunisia, defeating them 56-17
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