Under-19s conquer African peers

Namibia’s under-19 national rugby team edged out Zimbabwe 42-29 to retain the CAR U-19A Africa Cup title at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.
The victory qualified them to play in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament next year.
Earlier on the day, Kenya had secured third place in the event thanks to a try that came after the final whistle had been blown in a 24-17 win over Tunisia.
Namibia got off to a great start in the final after Alastair Miller and Morenzel Strauss scored two quick tries, which were both converted by the side’s captain, Cliven Loubser.
Trailing 14-0, Zimbabwe fought back with Zvikomborero Muzorewa scoring their first try, which was converted by Russel Dinha.
The home side then suffered a setback after Riaan de Klerk was sin-binned and Dinha nailed the penalty awarded for the offence.
Zimbabwe then overturned the deficit when Shingirayi Katsvere scored with Dinha converting for a 14-17 lead.
The visitors also went into the break a man down after Tinotenda Musasanure was yellow-carded.
Namibia was again first to score a try in the second half as Adriaan Ludik crossed the whitewash.
Loubser duly converted while Chad Plato also scored a try for a 28-17 lead for the home team.
But Zimbabwe again stole the momentum of the match with Dinha getting a try, which he failed to convert. That try had revitalised Zimbabwe as Tapiwa Mulenga score with Dinha this time making no mistake for a 28-29 lead for the visitors.
Namibia responded admirably as Sam Kuvare went over to restore the home side’s lead. Loubser made sure of the conversion for 35-29 lead.
The home side added to their score with a try by Snyman van der Walt, with Loubser converted to conclude the day’s scoring for the 42-29 final result.
Speaking after the match, Zimbabwe coach Bob Mahari paid tribute to Namibia.
“This was a tough game and Namibia played like champions because they kept coming back at us,” he said.
“In certain moments, they were calmer than us and that was the main difference… we made vital mistakes but we are learning,” he added.
Namibia captain Loubser said that they never doubted their ability to achieve victory despite trailing twice during the match.
“We knew they would come hard at us but we absorbed the pressure. Even though we were behind at halftime, everyone in the dressing room was positive that we would overturn the score,” he said before adding that it will be an honour to represent Namibia at next year’s under-20 international event for second-tier rugby nations.
Tunisia’s loss meant that they were relegated to the CAR U-19B Africa division.

HECTOR MAWONGA