Staff Reporter
ZIMBABWE secured third place in the Performance Division of the Rugby Africa 2026 U20 Barthés Trophy after overcoming Tunisia 38-12 in the bronze-medal match at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The victory capped a strong second-half response from Zimbabwe following their 35-23 semi-final defeat to Kenya and confirmed Tunisia’s relegation to the First Division.
The two sides were evenly matched in the opening half, going into the break level at 12-12 after a physical contest.
Photos: Rugby Afrique
Tunisia took advantage of a yellow card shown to Zimbabwe flanker Cyril Cherayi, scoring twice while Zimbabwe were down to 14 players. Prop Youssef Bejaoui crossed the line before outside-centre Mohammed Youssef Abid finished off a well-worked move to put Tunisia ahead.
Zimbabwe returned from the break with greater intensity and control, scoring four unanswered tries to pull away and secure the bronze medal.
Munangi Kamwendo, Wayne Gandiwa, Kudakwashe Kachambwa, Curtis Mashonganyika, Rukudzo Madinga, Mthabisi Ndlovu and captain Takudzwa Matsvimbo all contributed tries for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s six tries, 100 per cent lineout success and more effective goal-kicking proved decisive, while Tunisia’s 19 penalties conceded further hampered their efforts.
Zimbabwe also conceded 14 penalties and received two yellow cards, but their attacking efficiency allowed them to maintain control during the second half.
“We are just proud to do this for all the people back home,” Kamwendo said after the match.
“In the first half we didn’t communicate well as a team, but we later improved and the boys got their energy up. What I’ve learnt from this tournament is that you never give up.”
The result saw Zimbabwe finish third in the Performance Division, while Tunisia’s fourth-place finish confirmed their relegation to the First Division.
