Moroccan rugby team defeats Zimbabwe 15-9

Moroccan rugby team defeated Saturday here Zimbabwe 15-9 in a qualifying heat match for the World Cup, due next year in Wales.

Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire, Namibia and Zimbabwe are vying for the sole ticket to represent Africa in the world cup.

The squad, that will rank second in the Casablanca tournament, will play new qualifying heats with teams from other continents.

For its part, Namibia won its opener against Cote d'Ivoire 22-10.

Next Wednesday, the Moroccans will meet Namibia, while Cote d'Ivoire will play Zimbabwe.

The final qualifying matches, scheduled for Sept.19, will oppose Morocco to Cote d'Ivoire, while Namibia will meet Zimbabwe.