Uganda, Tunisia, Namibia and the Ivory Coast are all just two wins away from a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand after hard-fought victories in the Africa Cup at the weekend.
The Cranes of Uganda beat Madagascar 32-22 in Kampala to top Pool D, Tunisia overcame Kenya 44-15 in Tunis to proceed from Pool C, Namibia saw off Zimbabwe 35-21 in Pool A and the Ivory Coast provided the shock of the weekend by beating Morocco 21-9 in Casablanca to top Pool B.
Uganda weathered some severe early pressure in Kampala against the Makkis of Madagascar in what was a repeat of last year's Africa Cup final, won by Uganda 42-11.
After some fine Madagascan defence and with the scores still tied at 3-3, livewire scrum half Anthony Kinene popped the ball out to the blind side for wing Felix Lubega to score the first try of the match for Uganda. Fly half Harrison's penalty for Madagascar brought the half time score to 10-6.
Lubega began the second half as he had finished the first. Just 40 seconds after the restart the powerful wing scored a second try for an 11-point lead but being sidelined for the rest of the match by some reckless tackling.
With two players in the sin bin the Makkis defended with their lives and, although initially Harrison and Kinene only traded penalties, Allan Musoke chased a high ball in the 50th minute to put the Cranes well clear.
Rakotoarimanana returned from the sin bin to score two tries for Madagascar and bring them back to within just three points, but substitute Steven Ogwete put the result beyond doubt for the Cranes, who ran out 32-22 winners.
After losing heavily on home soil last year, Madagascar coach Camille Ratsima was pleased by this performance.
“We did well in the first half and held on in the forwards where they had a big advantage," he said. "I am satisfied because the score does not reflect the real situation on the pitch."
Uganda coach Yayiro Kasasa admitted that his team had struggled in the first half. “It was tough and they exposed us in the first half where they dominated. Our defence is still leaking and our kicks for touch fell short,” he said.
Ivory Coast plot second World Cup
The only away victory of the weekend was won by the Ivory Coast, who turned in a brilliant performance to stun Morocco in Casablanca.
The Ivoriens' 21-9 win means that they proceed as winners of their pool and edge closer to a second appearance at a Rugby World Cup after also playing in the 1995 tournament in South Africa.
Namibia and Tunisia too strong
In Windhoek Namibia led Zimbabwe 28-0 at the halfway stage through an early penalty try and efforts from van Zyl and Venter and seemed to be cruising to victory at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
However, Zimbabwe fought back to score three tries of their own in the second half through Paul Stark, Costa Dinha and Manasa Sita before the Namibians' fourth try by Esterhuizen cemented victory and progression in both the Africa Cup and RWC qualifying.
Tunisia ease through to 2009 knock-out schedule
In Tunis, meanwhile, Tunisia produced an impressive performance to beat fancied Kenya 44-15 and make it through to the next round of competition, which takes place in 2009.
Semi finals will be played followed by a final, home and away, the winner of which will qualify directly for RWC 2011 as Africa 1. The loser will progress to the cross-continental play-off for the final qualifying place.
