Chipu's Barthes Cup title defense chances hang in the balance
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.04.25. | 19:18
Kenya will also need Tunisia to upset Namibia to keep their dream of back-to-back Barthes Cup titles alive
Kenya U20 national rugby team, Chipu, saw their hopes of defending the Rugby Africa Barthes Cup dented on Wednesday, 23 April after falling 32-22 to a spirited Namibian side at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
The loss came just days after a promising 29-21 win over Tunisia, but Namibia proved to be a tougher test. They brought in the intensity and structure that challenged the young Kenyans throughout the contest.
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Namibia opened the scoring through a penalty converted by Johannes Rossouw, capitalizing on Kenya’s early infringement which saw Victor Kipchirchir sent to the sin bin.
Despite Namibia's physical dominance and territorial advantage, Kenya's defense held firm for large spells of the first half.
However, handling errors and poor decision-making plagued Chipu’s attack, and the opening period ended with the Kenyans trailing after missing crucial chances.
Kenya came out of the break with renewed intent, and it was Kipchirchir who sparked the comeback with a bruising run through Namibia’s defense to score. Brian Achacha added the extras to put Kenya ahead 7-3.
The lead, however, was short-lived.
Namibia responded with an unconverted try to reclaim the lead at 8-7.
Kenya fought back with flair, as Javan Odhiambo Okwaro dotted down a try following a brilliant phase of play. Faran Juma’s conversion attempt hit the post, but Kenya regained the advantage at 12-8.
Namibia then shifted gears, scoring two successive tries through Alfred Vercuil and Maughan Jarman to stretch their lead to 22-12.
Kipchirchir narrowed the gap with another solo effort, though the missed conversion left Kenya trailing 17-22.
In the closing stages, Namibia added another converted try to make it 29-17.
Though Kipchirchir again sparked life into Chipu’s charge by setting up Brian Kiptanui for a well-worked try, it was not enough. Namibia sealed the match with another score to end the contest at 32-22.
With this result, Kenya's path to the title now lies outside their hands.
They face a must-win clash against hosts and former champions Zimbabwe on Saturday, 26 April.
Chipu will also need Tunisia to upset Namibia to keep their dream of back-to-back Barthes Cup titles alive.
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