Zambia one step closer to Rugby Africa Gold Cup qualification after edging out Madagascar

Sport360 staff 22:47 16/07/2018
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  • Zanbia have defeated Madagascar 31-29 to win the south section of the Rugby Africa Silver Cup.

    Zambia has moved one step closer to Gold Cup qualification after beating Madagascar 31-29 at Mufulira Rugby Club on Saturday and clinching the Silver Cup south section.

    Both Zambia and Madagascar came into the contest with a win each after beating Botswana.

    The hosts were under pressure from the Islanders who had a better scoreline against Botswana, a situation which was evident to all local rugby fanatics in Mufulira, whose expectations were sky high.

    Madagscar’s try scorers were Saidi Rakotoarimanana and Michael Raharijaona, who also added two conversions, three penalties and two drop goals.

    The hosts scored tries via Bruce Saimbunji, Rodgers Mukupa and Edward Mumba.

    Laston Mukosa kicked a conversion and two penalties, while Dean Zulu also notched up a conversion and two penalties.

    Zambia will now go on to meet Algeria, the winner of the Silver Cup north section, to decide who qualifies for the Gold Cup next year.

    “We shall ensure that the technical bench hits the ground running as we prepare for the game against Algeria at a venue to be announced,” said the Zambia Rugby Union president Gen Clement Sinkamba.

    “We played and lost our first game against Algeria in November 2017, so the coaches will start assessing areas of concern before the team is recalled for residential camp.”

    Prior to the Silver Cup south section finale, Zambia Women played Zimbabwe in an International friendly dubbed “Battle of the Zambezi” by local rugby enthusiasts.

    Zambia scored a try by captain Shirley Mwami which was converted by Rennie Sunzu Wilima. Their neighbours Zimbabwe scored a penalty by Precious Marange.

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