Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA will face Kenya in the final of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy after both teams secured semi-final victories in Kampala, Uganda, setting up a title decider between Africa’s two most successful junior rugby nations.
The Junior Welwitschias booked their place in the final with an 11-6 comeback victory over Tunisia, while Kenya defeated Zimbabwe 35-23 in the second semi-final to set up a repeat clash between the continent’s rugby powerhouses.
Both Namibia and Kenya will enter the final chasing a record fourth Barthés Trophy title and qualification for the World Rugby Junior Trophy.
Photos: Rugby Afrique
Kenya produced an impressive attacking display against Zimbabwe, scoring five tries to overcome their opponents in an entertaining contest.
The Kenyans dominated the opening half, taking a 23-6 lead into the break after tries from winger Brian Kiptanui and inside centre Rayvon Amunga, along with accurate kicking from fullback Faran Juma.
Zimbabwe responded strongly after the restart, with eighth-man Vimbiso Kasvosve scoring from a rolling maul to reduce the deficit. However, Kenya regained control and secured their place in the final through further tries from scrumhalf Michael Andale, hooker Jibril Lugonzo and outside centre Dennis Livoi.
A late try from Zimbabwe centre Michael Chimedza proved too little, too late as Kenya held on for the victory.
Earlier, defending champions Namibia fought back from a 6-0 half-time deficit to edge Tunisia 11-6 in a tightly contested encounter.
Tunisia controlled much of the first half, with scrumhalf Mohamed Afli converting two penalties as the North Africans built a narrow advantage.
The Junior Welwitschias responded after the break, with substitute Mc-Rein Van Wyk reducing the deficit with a penalty before fellow replacement Nzola Nkunku crossed the line for Namibia’s only try of the match.
Van Wyk then produced a decisive drop goal to seal the victory and send Namibia through to the final.
Namibia captain Tjeripo Seuakouje Karuhumba admitted that his team struggled to execute their game plan in the first half but credited the team’s response after the break.
“In the first half, we didn’t stick to our structure. The effort wasn’t there, the execution, we were all lacking. But I’d say the halftime chat was just to sharpen those things. The impact players came in,” Karuhumba said.
The 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy is being held from 7 to 11 August at Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Namibia and Kenya will meet in the final on 11 August, while Tunisia and Zimbabwe will contest the third-place playoff on the same day.
