Prisca Samutela was the hero as Zambia secured a second win over Zimbabwe in dramatic circumstances in Lusaka on Saturday.
The home side trailed 15-14 as the match went deep into stoppage time but, holding their nerve under pressure, they managed to fashion a score for the jubilant centre and take the spoils of victory with the last play of the game.
No-one could have anticipated such a thrilling finish after a low-key first half in which Zambia led 7-0 thanks to number eight Natasha Musonda's converted try.
Zimbabwe hit back 12 minutes into the second half with a try for Precious Marange that went unconverted but Zambia made it 14-5 just past the hour mark when Rennie Wilima converted Musonda Mildred's try.
Still, Zimbabwe refused to give up the fight and an injection of energy from the bench led to tries for replacements Cynthia Maunda and Hazel Chidununu, and they looked all set to avenge their 19-18 defeat to Zambia back in July until Samutela came up with the crucial score for the 21-15 victory.
Zambia will move up to 34th in the World Rugby Women's Rankings above Uzbekistan as a result of the win with Zimbabwe falling below Botswana and Madagascar to 44th.
Photo credit: Lilian Musonda Mukosha