Zimbabwe Cheetahs beat Uganda Cranes 7s 26-19 in the Rugby Africa 7s final at Kyadondo Rugby Ground on Saturday to qualify for HSBC Division III.
Uganda started slowly before Daniels Otim crossed from a pick-and-go and Malcom Okello added a corner try for a 12-point lead.
Ryan Mushumi's yellow card left Zimbabwe with six men yet the Cheetahs struck back through PK Manyakara's unconverted try before the half-time hooter.
Coach Allan Otim replaced Karim Arinaitwe with Denis Etwau at the break, moving Okello to scrumhalf, but Etwau offered little on attack or defence.
Zimbabwe levelled through Tatenda Kamubvumbi and took a 19-12 lead with a converted score.
Nobert Sexton Okeny touched down under the posts with two minutes left and Okello's conversion made it 19-19.
Ian Munyani's yellow card reduced Uganda to six players and Dion Khumalo fed Ablant Tavonga for the decisive try as the hooter sounded.
Zimbabwe will contest HSBC Division III while Uganda must wait for the 2027 qualifier.
Key details
- Competition: Rugby Africa 7s final
- Venue: Kyadondo Rugby Ground
- Result: Zimbabwe 26-19 Uganda
- Uganda tries: Daniels Otim, Malcom Okello, Nobert Sexton Okeny
- Zimbabwe tries: PK Manyakara, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Ablant Tavonga
- Yellow cards: Ryan Mushumi (Zimbabwe), Ian Munyani (Uganda)
- Outcome: Zimbabwe qualify for HSBC Division III
Watch the Highlights
Source: Kawowo Sports
