Young Sables choke in Madagascar
THE Young Sables capped a disappointing outing in the Africa Under20 Championship when they conceded a last-minute try in the Group A thirdplace playoff defeat to hosts Madagascar yesterday.
Justin Tojonirina Razafimanonjy planted a 79th minute try to steal a 36-35 win over the Zimbabweans who had controlled the game from the first-minute.
Zimbabwe, who had lost their opening match to Kenya on Friday, missed the opportunity to qualify for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy to be held in Uruguay from August 29 to September 10 following the losses.
Defending Africa Under-20 champions Namibia walked away with the ticket to represent the region at the global stage after outclassing Kenya 66-24 in the final.
The bad news for the Zimbabwe youth team is that they could be relegated to the second-tier of the tournament.
The Young Sables were on course yesterday as they controlled the game from the f irst minute when Pride Ameni put them ahead with penalty kick which was followed by an uncon- verted try by Aiden Burnet.
Zimbabwe led 21-17 at half-time after Ameni kicked in two more penalties and was on hand to convert a 25th minute try by Gregory Mihindu.
The Young Sables looked on course for their first win with the scoreboard reading 35- 29 in t heir favour but Razafimanonjy touched down and Tahina Rajaonarivelo made no mistake with the conversion.
Defending Africa Under-20 champions Namibia walked away with the ticket to represent the region at the global stage after outclassing Kenya 66-24 in the final.
the chance. Harare City coach Mike Madzivanyika said his men could have taken maximum points.
“It’s two points lost than two points gained. We created a number of chances,” said Madzivanyika.
Teams: Shabanie: S Mafukidze, A Dzumbunu, W Mapfumo, J Nyabinde, T Chimoyo, T Mavhunga, C Dhuwa (E Phiri 67th min),T Mupumha, N Maziwisa, N Mpofu, F Mupasiri (D Chivandire 55th min)
Harare City: M Nyamupangedengu, T Chimwemwe, P Mpelele ( T Mutumba 53rd min), P Kabwe, R Uchena, E Madhanhanga, T Samanja, M Sako, J Chipangura ( W Muvirimi 46th min), M Gaki, H Chimutimunzeve.