A last minute drop goal by Herman Rust claimed a dramatic victory for Namibia in the CAR U19 championship, snatching back the prestigious trophy which they had surrendered to their perennial rivals Zimbabwe in Casablanca last year.
The 23-20 win at the Kampala Rugby Club also gave Namibia the right to represent Africa at the 2008 IRB Junior World Trophy, which will take place in April at a venue yet to be identified.
With the score all tied at 20-20 in the 69th minute the lanky full back took a gamble with a long range drop goal attempt, which sailed over sending the Namibians into a frenzy.
Zimbabwe had dominated the first half to lead 15-5 lead at the break through Tachafera Mukwanya’s five penalties and a try by Andrew Mckean extended their lead to 20-8 in the 47th minute but Namibia quickly forced themselves back into the game.
Earlier, in the first match of the day, Tunisia put the disappointment of their previous performance behind them to beat the ill-disciplined Moroccans 25-6 for Tunisia.
Group 1 final standings
1. NAMIBIA
2. ZIMBABWE
3. TUNISIA
4. MOROCCO
Group 2 final standings
1. UGANDA
2. KENYA
