Zimbabwe had to survive a second-half onslaught to beat hosts Uganda 22-20 (22-0 at halftime) in their Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinal at the Nelson Mandela International Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
The Sables completely dominated the first half as they led 22-0 at halftime courtesy of impressive tries by wingers Edward Sigauke and Takudzwa Musingwini and centre Kudzai Mashawi with Ian Prior adding the extras.
Zimbabwe really should have put Uganda away after a clinical first half when things went their way in every respect but were sloppy in taking all their chances and in the end almost paid the price for allowing the visitors to gain momentum.
After allowing the hosts to dictate the pace in the second half, Uganda duly responded by scoring 20 unanswered points through a tries by Innocent Gwoktho and Philip Wokorach.
The dangerous Wokorach had a hand in Gwoktho’s try and also chipped in with two conversions and as many penalties.
The Sables will rue indiscipline and basic mistakes that almost gave Uganda what would have been a remarkable comeback victory, but will take heart from their solid defensive effort.
Despite playing the last five minutes of the match with a man short after Musingwini was sent to the sinbin, the Sables held on resolutely to clinch an important victory on their return to Test rugby.
The victory against Uganda means Zimbabwe will face arch-rivals Nambia on Wednesday.
Namibia saw off Burkina Faso 38-5 in an earlier quarterfinal while Kenya and Algeria also secured victories to advance to the semis.
The tournament semifinals will take place on July 24, with the final coming four days afterwards.
Namibia, who beat Kenya in last year’s final, have lifted the Rugby Africa Cup a record nine times, while South Africa have won three titles. Kenya and Morocco have also lifted the Cup twice, while Uganda and Zimbabwe have each won the Cup once.