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

Chipu beat Uganda to book semi-final slot

Defending champions Kenya are on course to yet another final after a commanding display against Uganda in the fourth quarter final match played at the Nyayo National stadium.

A resounding 54-20 over their neighbors ensured that Chipu booked a Wednesday afternoon date with Namibia who started the day with yet another huge victory over Ivory Coast.

After a tight first half, Chipu went on a rampage, scoring 43 points in the second half.

At the beginning of the second half, Chipu scored a try for a 16-10 lead with Tony Oketch later on scoring a penalty to extend the lead to 19-10. Another try and conversion saw Kenya U20 extend the lead to 26-10 but Uganda reduced the deficit two minutes later via a penalty.

A sublime piece of play by captain John Baraka released David Mwangi who made no mistake, Tony Oketch was at hand to convert and send the crowd at Nyayo stadium in frenzy. 

Another dominant display by the homeboys would see them score another try and conversion but it was another converted try that ensured that Chipu were well into the 50’s. 

Chipu have now set eyes on Namibia who had dismantled Ivory Coast 62-0 in the opener. The semi-finals will be played on Wednesday April 13 at the same venue. Namibia will take on hosts Kenya at 2pm before Zimbabwe and Madagascar lock horns at 4:30pm

A classic second half display helps Madagascar overcome Zambia to book semis spot

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. 

Zimbabwe score last gasp try to beat Tunisia

Zimbabwe booked a semi-final slot in the 2022 Barthes U20 Cup after securing a one point victory over Tunisia in the second quarter final match played at the Nyayo National stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The midday clash brought the best out of the two nations with the South Africans settling fast in the hot humid Nairobi weather. 

Zimbabwe started brightly and converted an early penalty for a 3-0 lead. Tunisia were then reduced to 14 men when Mohamed Amine Azozi was sent to the bin for a high tackle that allowed Zimbabwe to convert yet another penalty to extend their lead to 6-0. 

Fantastic play from the North Africans enabled them to cut the lead when they scored the first try of the game but missed conversion. 

Zimbabwe responded well to the Tunisia threat when they got their first try and conversion of the day to take a 11-5 halftime lead. 

Tunisia gave a perfect response in the second half when they converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 11-8 but they could not hold onto the momentum as Zims got a penalty of theirs, converting it for a 14-8 lead. 

The game of penalties saw Tunisia get their own, converting it to make the scores 14-11. 

A brilliant move by the North Africans saw them get their second try of the day when Mohamed Amine Azozi went through the center poles to score, and Ilyes Ayari then successfully converted to give them a lead for the first time.

They however failed to hold onto the lead and fell in the final hurdle when Zimbabwe scored a last gasp try to end the match 19-18 victors. Zimbabwe will now meet the winner between Madagascar and Zambia in the semis. 

Breezing Namibia hammer Ivory Coast to book semis spot

2019 losing finalists Namibia got their hunt for the 2022 U20 Barthes Trophy off to the very best of starts as they thrashed Ivory Coast 62-0 in the opening game of the knockout tournament to successfully book their place in the semifinals of the continental competition.

In the first quarter final fixture that was played on Saturday morning at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, the Namibians were in a class of their own with their ten tries as they breezed past the West Africans who failed to get any response whatsoever in the match.

Just ten minutes in, Feliciano Shakira and Patrick Frits had already landed two tries that were both successfully converted by Gerald Stephan to put Namibia 14-0 up, a tell tale sign of what awaited the opponents.

Unable to offer anything as counter response, the Ivorians found themselves conceding three more unconverted tries as they went into the half time break trailing 29-0.

Of the three added, Stephan landed a first half brace on either side of Jano Atto’s touch down to ensure the comfortable lead at the interval.

In the second half, Ivory Coast improved a little bit but even with the tryline just at their mercy, the team could not find any way past a mean and resolute defense that kept them out whenever they probed.

Namibia on the other hand added five more tries that were all successfully converted save for one to complete the 62-0 rout that ensured their ticket to the semifinals.

Stephan bagged his hat trick in that half as Shakira completed his brace with Niel Holtzahauzen, Franko Dylan and Jurgen Beddies also getting on the scoresheet in the convincing win.

Namibia will now face the winner of the Kenya versus Uganda clash in the semis.