Namibia. . . . . . . . . . . . . (7) 31

Zimbabwe. . . . . . . . . . . (20) 26

THE two-led battle between Zimbabwe and Namibia got off to a heartbreaking start on Saturday afternoon as the Sables fought hard before falling to the Welwitschias in a Gold Cup group match at Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Windhoek.

The nation now looks up to Zimbabwe’s Warriors, who were at the stadium to rally behind their countrymen, to beat Namibia’s Brave Warriors for redemption when the two sides meet in a Chan football qualifier in Windhoek today.

On the rugby pitch, the Sables dominated play, going to half time with a seemingly healthy – albeit unlikely – lead.

Zimbabwe went to the break up 20-7 up courtesy of tries from Hilton Mudariki and Takudzwa Kamadiro, as well as two penalties and a conversion from vice-captain Tichafara Makwanya.

The Welwitschias’ only points of the half came from a converted try from Dan Stevens, with scrumhalf Eugene Jantijies providing the conversion.

The game turned on its head deep in the second half as Namibia came back strong through tries by Darryl de la Harpe, Gino Wislon, JC Greyling and winger Lesly Klim.

Substitute Kevin Lotsh chipped in with two conversions to turn the result on its head as Zimbabwe could only muster two penalties from Makwanya in response.