A late Madagascar show ensured that they proceeded to the last four of the 2022 Barthes U20 when they beat Zambia 26-14 to book a date with Zimbabwe in the semis.
The swift Madagascans made their intentions clear in the opening five minutes of the game when they scored from a penalty to take a 3-0 lead. They extended their lead three minutes later via a penalty but Zambia responded soon after when left winger Fred Mutonga raced to touch down for the first try of the game. With a successful conversion, the Zambians gained a point advantage and this gave them a little bit of spark with Mutonga once again showing his skills to score his second try of the day, Mulenga Andersen converting thereafter to take the scores to 6-14 in favour of Zambia. Madagascar sensing danger, picked themselves up and would soon get their first try of the day to take scores at 13-14 during halftime.
The pendulum swung in favour of the islanders in the second half as they raced back to the lead via a brilliantly taken try before stretching the lead to 21-14 via a penalty.
The Zambians had no response to the more agile Madagascar side who raced to a 26-14 full time score.
Madagascar will now meet Zimbabwe in the semi-final on Wednesday April 13, at 4:30pm. Zimbabwe beat Tunisia 19-18 in the midday kick off to book their place in the last four.