NEWS

Kenya U20 edge Tunisia to begin Barthes Trophy campaign on a high, Namibia whip Zim

By Amanga collins

Posted on April 19, 2025

Kenya U20 squad in a Barthes Cup event. Photo Courtesy/KRU

Kenya U20, popularly known as Chipu, kicked off their 2025 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy campaign with a hard-fought 29-21 win over Tunisia at Old Hararians Sports Club.

Heading into the tournament as defending champions, Chipu were aiming for a second consecutive victory over Tunisia, having beaten them in 2024. While they managed to complete the double, this year’s encounter proved to be a tighter affair.

Kenya U20 lead

Simon Jawichre’s charges led 19-11 at the break after a lively first-half performance. In the second half, both teams scored 10 points, but Chipu did just enough to maintain their advantage.

Faran Juma drilled in a penalty to push the score to 22-11 before fullback Dennis Ndayala added a try, which Juma converted to stretch the lead to 29-16. Tunisia responded with a late try to cut the gap to 29-21, but the Kenyan side held firm to secure the win.

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Namibia also impressed on the opening day, powering past hosts Zimbabwe 41-22. Zimbabwe struck first with a try after 16 minutes of play, but Namibia hit back quickly with a try and a penalty.

They stretched their lead to 27-5 before Zimbabwe mounted a spirited fightback to make it a five-point game. However, Namibia regained control and added 14 more points to put the result beyond doubt.

The next round of matches will be played on Wednesday, 23 April. Kenya are scheduled to face Namibia at 1:00 p.m., while Tunisia will play Zimbabwe at 4:00 p.m. The final round of action will take place on Sunday, 27 April, with Namibia taking on Tunisia at 12:00 p.m., followed by a potential title decider between Zimbabwe and Kenya at 3:00 p.m.

Chipu headed into the tournament as favourites, having lifted the 2024 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy after a commanding 28-13 win over Zimbabwe in Harare. That victory secured their third title in the competition and booked them a place at the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy held in Scotland from 2–17 July.