It was Kenya who entered the final day of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup Division 1A qualifying tournament with the best chance of making their first ever World Cup.

But a 28-10 defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe denied them a crucial bonus point.

With Zimbabwe also failing to secure a bonus point - awarded for a team scoring four or more tries or for losing within seven points - the door was left open for Namibia.

They faced a tough task to qualify for the tournament in England, needing to win their match against Madagascar by 53 points.

In front of a buoyant crowd today in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, the Namibians turned the screw with try after try.

Leading 63-10 at the break - the 53 point advantage they needed - the Namibians eventually ran out 89-10.

It means they will play in their fifth World Cup, having made every tournament since Wales 1999.

Namibia join New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Georgia in Pool C at England 2015.

Zimbabwe's hopes of qualifying are not yet over.

Zimbabwe lost the opportunity of winning the qualifying tournament, but could still play in England next year thanks to the repechage ©Getty Images



They emerged as the team who will progress to the repechage, where they will play Russia for a place in the repechage final.

The winner of that final will join 19 other teams now qualified for the tournament.

Namibia captain Rohan Kitshoff said: "It has been a remarkable day and we are so pleased to have made it to England 2015.

"This is for the players and coaches who believed, the fans who have given us such support, and for the people of Namibia.

"We go to England 2015 full of expectation and are determined to do ourselves, our nation and African Rugby proud.

The Webb Ellis Cup, handed to the winners of the quadrennial Wolrd Cup, was in Antananarivo as part of the global Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.

CAR President Aziz Bougja said: "We have witnessed one of the most compelling, and certainly the most dramatic African Cups of recent times, which really does underscore the continued progress that our Unions are making.

"I would like to congratulate all the teams for their incredible performances and also congratulate Namibia, who have the honour of representing Africa at Rugby World Cup 2015."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]