Category: News

Zimbabwe survive late scare to lift Barthes Trophy

Zimbabwe are the 2022 Barthes Trophy champions following a 19-14 win over favourites Namibia at the Nyayo National Stadium. 

The close contest was too close to call but the South African neighbours produced a memorable game that will leave long in the memory of rugby lovers across the continent.

Namibia who beat Kenya in the semis began the match on a bright note, earning an early penalty that was converted by Oela Blaauw for a 3-0 lead. 

Zimbabwe responded with their own penalty converted by Brendan Marume to level matters and later on earned a first try of the game to stretch their lead to 8-3. Liberty Sibanda managed to get some space in the Namibia defense and his trickery was enough to hand Zimbabwe their first try of the game

An infringement by Zimbabwe allowed Namibia to score yet another penalty through Geraldo Beukes but Takudzwa Musingwini scored yet another try for Zimbabwe to take a 11-6 halftime lead.

Another penalty kick in the second half by Namibia reduced the arrears to two points with Geraldo Beukes scoring another penalty for Namibia. A brilliant interchange down the left flank released Panashe Zuze who scored Zimbabwe’s second try which proved too vital in the game. 

With the scores at 16-14 following Bernd Baddies try for Namibia, the game witnessed a nervy end but a Musingwini penalty for Zimbabwe eased pressure on the Zimbabweans. A late surge by Namibia was well countered by a disciplined defensive play by Zimbabwe and when the final whistle  blew, the boys in white and green jumped in jubilation with light showers savoring the occasion.

Chipu smash Madagascar to claim bronze

The Kenya national U20 rugby 15s side, Kenya Chipu finished third in the 2022 Barthes Cup after thrashing Madagascar 49-15 in the bronze medal match played under light showers at the Nyayo National stadium, Nairobi.

Having surrendered their title defence in the defeat to Namibia, Chipu came into the Sunday afternoon match focused on the job and got matters underway as soon as the clock ticked for kick off.

Chipu got over the whitewash for the first time in the third minute when John Baraka got clear for the first try of the day. A successful conversion took the scores to 7-0. A second try and conversion extended Kenya’s lead to 14-0. The islanders got their first points of the day via a penalty but that was quickly replied by Tony Oketch’s penalty which extended Chipu’s lead to 17-3 another try and penalty further took matters out of Madagascar’s hands and when David Mwangi landed another try for the homeboys, it was almost game over. Madagascar got their first try of the game just before the breather and when the two sides raced to the dug out, it was 30-10 in favour of Curtis Olago’s Chipu.

Madagascar got matters underway in the second half, earning a try that would see them half the scores to 30-15. A tighter Kenyan defence plus a sleek forward ensured that Kenya won brone and at least a podium finish in this year;s edition.

Tunisia edge Uganda to seal 5th spot as Zambia clinch 7th ahead of Ivory Coast

The Tunisia U20 national rugby 15s side finished the 2022 edition of the continental U20 Barthes Trophy in fifth place after defeating Uganda 24-11 in the 5/6th place final staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 17 April.

In a low scoring affair in the first half, the Tunisians took a 7-3 lead going into the break after Mohammed Riahi’s opening try was successfully converted by Ilyes Ayari.

Uganda, who dominated a better part of the game, were let down by poor handling skills in the red zone as they camped around the Tunisia 22 but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

Skipper Daniel Okello finally put them on the board before the break with a penalty goal.

Okello would make it a one point game at the start of the second half as he drilled in a second penalty to make it 7-6 but the Tunisians pulled clear by scoring three consecutive tries to take their scores to 24-6 but Kevin Ampaire managed to score Uganda’s only try that got the game to a respectable 24-11 fulltime score, leaving Uganda to settle for 6th place behind Tunisia.

In the 7/8th playoff, Zambia got their first win of the tournament as they defeated Cote D’Ivoire 22-8 to finish in 7th position ahead of their opponents who finished bottom of the pile in this year’s tourney.

Both teams came into their final clash without a victory in the tournament after Cote d’Ivoire lost to Namibia and Uganda while Zambia lost against Madagascar and Tunisia with both sides looking for positives to bring their campaigns to an end.

Zambia ended up plundering their maiden win as they came from behind to stage the victory over the Ivorians who finished without a win in their three matches.

Kenya Chipu to fight for bronze against Madagascar after Namibia loss

The national U20 rugby 15s side, Kenya Chipu, will battle for a third place finish on the podium this Sunday when they face the Junior Makis from Madagascar in the 3/4th place playoff final set to be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium this weekend as the 2022 edition of the continental U20 Barthes Trophy comes to an end.

This year, hosts Chipu, who were the back to back champions of the junior championship, will not be able to complete a consecutive treble and defend their title as they were knocked out in the semifinal stage 5-16 by tournament favourites Namibia who advanced to the final in their stead.

Following the loss, the Curtis Olago coached side were forced to drop to the 3/4th playoff where they face Madagascar in a repeat clash of the 2021 main cup final where Kenya won 21-20 in a very tough and epic contest.

While Kenya and Madagascar will fight for the bronze, Namibia will be seeking to ascend to the top of the 8 team tournament but have a very able Zimbabwe side also waiting in store to try and stop them.

The physical Zimbabweans edged Madagascar to book the rivalry between the two nations.

Apart from the two matches, Cote D’Ivoire will open the final match day proceedings against Zambia in the 7/8th playoff with both sides failing to record any wins so far in their opening two games.

Neigbhours Uganda will then face Tunisia in the 5/6th place playoff in the second match.

Sunday 17 April 2022 Schedule.

Cote D’Ivoire vs Zambia – 0900EAT

Uganda vs Tunisia – 1130 EAT

Kenya vs Madagascar – 1400EAT

Namibia vs Zimbabwe -1630EAT

It’s a Namibia – Zimbabwe final

Namibia ended Kenya’s reign as defending champions with a 16-5 victory in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy tournament at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday 13 April 2022.

The Namibians took a 6-0 lead into the interval courtesy of two penalties from skipper Oela Blaauw in a half that saw Chipu waste several opportunities to get points on the board, Tonny Oketch missing three kickable penalties. The Kenyan forwards, despite their dominance, were also not efficient in the final third, twice fumbling on the Namibian try line, a script that would be followed throughout the game.

Blaauw then converted Niel Holtzhausen’s try to put Namibia 16-0 up after the break.

Kenya’s incessant pressure failed to bear fruit, this despite having Namibia on the back foot for the better part of the second half, spurred on by the inclusion of second half replacements George Otieno, Anderson Oduor, John Aswani and Joseph Ayiro.

Ayiro would score a late try, played in by David Mwangi but his efforts proved to be too little, too late as their reign as champions came to an end.

Namibia will face Zimbabwe in Sunday’s final. Zimbabwe made it to the final with a 32-3 victory over Madagascar.

Elson Gabriel put the Malagasy ahead with an early penalty before Zimbabwe responded with Brendan Marume’s 12 point haul coming off 4 penalties, Tanaka Gondomukandapi’s brace of tries complimented by tries from captain Takudzwa Musingwini and Tamuka Kambani.

Tunisia fight quarterfinal blues with dogged win over Zambia

Just days after succumbing to a last minute heartbreak against Zimbabwe, Tunisia picked themselves up in their placement semifinal match against Zambia as they recorded their first win of the 2022 U20 Barthes Trophy tournament to qualify for the 5/6th playoff match against Uganda.

In the second placement semis match played at the Nyayo National Stadium, the North Africans, who were knocked out of main cup contention via a last minute Zimbabwe try that condemned them to an 18-19 loss, displayed incredible resolve to keep out the Zambians by a 25-20 full time score.

Halfway through the match, Tunisia had cruised to a 20-8 lead but an inspired second half performance from the Zambians tested their character to the limit which they ended up rising to the occassion. While they got victory, Zambia, who have now lost all two encounters, were left to settle for one of the two bottom places where they will face Cote D’Ivoire in the 7/8th playoff final.

As the game started, Tunisia were the first to get the scoreboard ticking as they touched down for the first successfully converted try to take a 7-0 lead. The two teams then traded successful penalties to get the game to 10-3 before Zambia reduced the deficit to only two points with an unconverted try.

However, Tunisia opened a ten point gap as they scored a converted try and a penalty that gave them a 20-8 lead going into the break.

When action resumed in the second half, the Zambians emerged from the tunnels a much sharper side as they chased their first win in the tournament as well.

Despite nailing four penalties, their efforts came just short as Tunisia found the half’s only try that stretched their lead and win to 25-20.

Uganda edge spirited Ivory Coast for first tournament win

Uganda’s national U20 rugby 15s side got their first win of the 2022 Barthes Trophy after condemning Ivory Coast to a 26-19 defeat in the first placement semifinal match staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Coming into the clash, both sides had been knocked out of main cup contention as Uganda lost 54-20 to hosts and defending champions Kenya Chipu while Ivory Coast were hammered 62-0 by Namibia in the other quarter final.

As a result, both sides were looking to get off the mark as they looked to avoid the dreaded last two positions that were at risk of being relegated.

In the match though, it is Uganda who managed to come through despite a spirited second half performance from the Ivorians who threatened to stage a comeback.

By the halftime break, Uganda led 20-0 courtesy of two converted tries and two penalty conversions. In the second half, as if aware of the threat of relegation, Ivory Coast came charging right back as they dotted three tries (two converted, one missed) to rack up nineteen points.

However, Uganda just added two more penalties to their score to finish at 26-19. With the result, Uganda moved to the 5/6th playoff after their first win while Ivory Coast dropped to the danger 7/8th placement final.

Declared Squads for Match Day 2

Squads have been declared for match day 2 action at the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy on Wednesday 13 April 2022 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The action kicks off at 9.00am EAT with Cote d’Ivoire and Uganda meeting in the 5th place semifinal, paving way for the second 5th place semifinal between Tunisia and Zambia.

Hosts and defending champions Kenya will then take on Namibia in the first semifinal at 2.00pm before last year’s runners up, Madagascar take on Zimbabwe in the second semifinal at 4.30pm.

Cote d’ Ivoire v Uganda | 9.00am | 5th place semifinal

COTE D’IVOIRE UGANDA
Koutoun Ange Boyo1Alexander Byaruhanga
Wally Toungara2Herbert Champara
Brouhana Dianda3Alvin Rukundo
Ibrahim Traore4Brian Wandera
Jonathan Dongo5Joshua Adebua
Mamadou Konate6Charles Mwadeghu
Issoufou Diallo7Kevin Ampaire
Coulibally Agnib8Jeremy Biyinzika
Abdoulaziz Ouatarra9Alvin Mwebaze
Abdoul Karembiri10Daniel Okello ( C)
Oumarou Sigue11Joseph Mwesigwa
Liuson Valentin N’zoko ( c )12Yasin Waswa
Oumar Kante13Emma Ochan
Marcel Dadi Odre14Steven Kalema
Ismael Nacanado15Michael Kalyango
  
Yao Mammadou Ouatarra16Edward Emiemu
Madany Traore17Joel Nkonte
Moussa Traore18Emmanuel Kiyaga
Bilaly Samake19David Bajjanaseko
Ilyass Konate20Blaise Ochieng
Kouadio Koucaou21Hashim Kabogoza
Alpha Soumahoro22Hossana Opileni
Ahmed Gramoute23Edrine Lemeriga

Tunisia v Zambia | 11.30am | 5th place semifinal

TUNISIA ZAMBIA
Hossem Ktata1Sekou Ibrahim
Mohammed Azozi2Lukundo Silwamba
Amine Baya3Dimus Kabengele
Oussama Baya4Daniel Habasimbi
Mohammed Khardani5Charles Mwemba
Mohammed Bel Hadj Youssef6Cassidy Chate
Mohamed Salah Ben Rjeb7Fredrick Musonda
Bahaeddine Abid8Miracle Simpasa
Mohammed Ali Jlassi9Kelvin Sichula
Mohammed Riahi10Mwila Mulenga
Aymen Hamdaoui11Fred Mtonga
Malek el Mahdi ( c )12Chileshe Mulenga ( c )
Adel Bahri13Swaba Chalelwa
Ilyes Ayari14Paul Zulu
Adem Grami15Redson Lukwesa
  
Bayrem Ben Ticha16Richard Kabengele
Mohaimen Rouached17Hanshel Chibale
Mohamed Znati18Nkhuka Mpande
Houssem Ben Yahya19Peter Mwansa
Nouredinne Dahmoul20Evans Fumbelo
Ahmed Salmi21Mwale Mulenga
Ahmed Mrabti22Shibunga Chatioka
Ahmed Houssem23Riaan Nsokoshi

Kenya v Namibia | 2.00pm | Semifinal

KENYA NAMIBIA
Nicholas Okullo1Jano Otto
Idd Ganguma2Friedrich Grobbelaar
Whilhite Musisi3Filippus Tshuuya
Elvis Persian4Conhill Dragohoendler
Stanslaus Shikoli5Gregory Namaseb
Gabriel Ayimba6Ray Feris
Tyson Maina7Alexander Jansen
John Baraka ( c)8Riaan Grove
Emmanuel Opondo9Oela Blaauw
Samuel Mwaura10Raschano Van Rooi
Roy Mulievi11Owen Hawanga
Felix Chacha12Patrick Karsten
Mathias Osimbo13Niel Holtzhausen
David Mwangi14Jonathan Hanekom
Tonny Oketch15Geraldo Beukes
  
George Otieno16Franko Pearson
Randy Wamah17Bernd Beddies
Brian Makaya18Feliciano Lauha
John Aswani19Henri Rossouw
Laban Kipsang20Darren Beukes
Winston Macharia21Brian Bayer
Anderson Oduor22Adriaan Steenkamp
Joseph Ayiro23Quirione Majiedt

Madagascar v Zimbabwe | 4.30pm | Semifinal

MADAGASCAR ZIMBABWE
Tahiana  Raharisamimanana1Veshal Jasi
Bienevue Rakotosalama2Marlon Guwuriro
Joeli Rakotoniaina3Tomuvoga Msasanure
Gervais Rakotonirina4Tamuka Kambani
Fano Rakotonandrasana5Simbarashe Siraha
Alain Rakotovao6Tanaka Ndoro
Fosy Rakotoniaina7Denzel Maramba
Rojosoa Randriamanantena ( c )8Tanaka Gondomukandapi
Fiononana Rolland Rakotoson9Shadrick Mandaza
Hery Njaka Rasolofoniaina10Bredan Marume
Tsiaroniaina Michel Rakotoarijaona11Tanaka Ndabambi
Rojonirina Rakotondrazaza12Alex Nyamunda
Fidisoa Razanaparany13Tawanda Matipano
Flosi Rakotoniaina14Josiah Borerwe
Elson Gabriel15Simbarashe Kanyangara
  
Laja Andriamasinjanahary16Brian Chiang
Herve Rasoarantonirina17Tadiwa Chinwada
Tongasoa Razafindrahaja18Farai Madzima
Todisoa Randriamasinavalona19Muzuma Gutu
Safidi Anjarasoa Andriamihaja20Tavonga Ablant
Philibert Sederick Romaroson21Dion Khumalo
Guy Ernest Henry Randranaivo22Takudzwa Musingwini ( C )
Zacharie Alain Jose Tojoniaina23Tendai Chimyama

Venue: Nyayo National Stadium

Tickets: Ksh 300 (regular), Ksh 1000 (VIP) – available on mtickets.com

How to watch: K24plus and Rugby Africa Facebook page

Semifinal Preview: Kenya Chipu take on Namibia as Zimbabwe lock horns with Zimbabwe

Following an explosive match day 1 action that saw four out of the eight teams advance to the semifinals of the 2022 U20 Barthes Trophy currently being held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, match day 2 promises even better encounters as the remaining quartet – Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar – battle to make it to the finale of the continental competition.

Hosts and defending champions Kenya Chipu will take on 2019 losing finalists Namibia in semifinal 1 as Zimbabwe host the Junior Makis from Madagascar in the second semifinal.

Just before those last 4 pairings, though, there will be two games pitting the losing quarterfinalists where Cote D’Ivoire will face Uganda in the first match of the day as Tunisia face Zambia in the subsequent clash.

Here is a preview of what to expect in match day 2.

Cote D’Ivoire vs Uganda

After a rude welcoming to the 2022 edition of the tournament courtesy of heavy defeats in their respective opening matches, both Ivory Coast and Uganda will be out to atone for their opening day losses when they face each other in the placement semifinal that kicks off at 0900EAT.

Both Uganda and Cote d’Ivoire met an uphill task that proved insurmountable. Cote d’Ivoire lost by 62-00 to former champions Namibia in the first match of the tournament as Uganda came crumbling against rivals Kenya Chipu who beat them 54-20 in the junior edition of the Elgon Cup.

“We have done our SWOT analysis of what to expect against Cote D’Ivoire and we have tried to address the challenges we had against Kenya. Therefore, we believe we will come out strong,” Uganda assistant coach Martial Tchumkam told Barthes media.

Tunisia vs Zambia

Tunisia will be seeking redemption when they take on Zambia in the second placement final at the Nyayo National Stadium.

In their quarter final clash against Zimbabwe, the North Africans were heartbroken at the death as Zimbabwe scored a last minute try to steal a 19-18 victory that knocked out the Tunisians who had looked on course for the semis.

Zambia on the other hand will be looking to stay alert throughout the whole course of the game as they caved in the second half against Madagascar who turned around the score from 13-14 at halftime to a 26-14 full time score.

Kenya Chipu vs Namibia

Billed as the final before the final, fireworks are expected at Nyayo Stadium when hosts and defending champions Chipu take on Namibia in the first semifinal in a repeat of the 2019 Barthes Trophy finale that saw Kenya lift the title after a very hard fought 21-18 victory.

Coming into the tournament as the favourites, both teams will be out to live up to the billing when they look to book a ticket in the final.

Curtis Olago’s Chipu will be out to exert their dominance as the hosts and back to back defending champions as they chase a treble while Namibia will be out in search of revenge. Any way you look at it, this match promises to be a treat!

Zimbabwe vs Madagascar

Matchday 2 action will come to a close when these two sides fight for the remaining ticket to the final.

Madagascar, who made it to the 2021 final but narrowly lost to Kenya (21-20) , will be relying on that past experience when they face Zimbabwe who will be out to create a story of their own having already shown incredible character in getting to the semifinals.

Placement Semifinal Fixtures:

SF 1 (9 a.m. EAT): Cote d’Ivoire vs Uganda

SF 2 (11.30 a.m. EAT): Tunisia vs Zambia

Main Cup Semifinal Fixtures:

SF 1 (2 p.m.): Namibia vs Kenya

SF 2 (4.30 p.m.): Zimbabwe vs Madagascar

Semifinal pairings confirmed

The semifinal pairings for the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy are now known following completion of the quarterfinals on Saturday 9 April 2022.

Hosts and defending champions Kenya will take on former champions Namibia in the first semifinal, paving way for the second clash between Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

Action between Kenya and Uganda

These matches will be preceded by classification matches pitting Ivory Coast against Tunisia and Zambia against Uganda.

Match Day 1 Results, Saturday 9 April 2022

Namibia 62 Ivory Coast 0

Tunisia 18 Zimbabwe 19

Madagascar 26 Zambia 14

Kenya 54 Uganda 20

Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy Match Day 2, Wednesday 13 April 2022

9.00am Classification Match: Ivory Coast v Uganda

11.30am Classification Match: Zambia v Tunisia

2.00pm Semifinal: Kenya v Namibia

4.30pm Semifinal: Madagascar v Zimbabwe

Venue: Nyayo National Stadium

Tickets: Ksh 300 (regular), Ksh 1000 (VIP) – available on mtickets.com

How to watch: K24plus and Rugby Africa Facebook page