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Chipu must beat Zimbabwe while hoping Tunisia hand Namibia defeat to stand a chance of retaining their Barthes U20 trophy this Sunday.
Kenya U20 15s side Chipu’s hopes of retaining the Barthes Cup suffered a set back after they suffered a 32-22 defeat to Namibia in a clash that took place at the Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday.
Heading into the match buoyed by a spirited 29-21 win over Tunisia, Chipu were well aware that a second successive victory would put them within touching distance of retaining the crown.
Namibia, however, arrived with similar momentum, having dismantled hosts Zimbabwe 41-22, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two unbeaten sides.
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From the outset, Kenya matched the Namibians blow for blow—both in intensity and discipline. Even a yellow card to Daniel Kipchirchir in the 12th minute failed to shake their structure, as they held firm without conceding.
Namibia could only manage a solitary penalty in the opening half, expertly slotted by Johannes Roussow, giving them a slim 3-0 advantage at the break.
Chipu burst into life after the restart. A flowing team move saw Kipchirchir dive over the whitewash, with Brian Achacha adding the extras to turn the tide in Kenya’s favour at 7-3. But Namibia were quick to hit back.
Their imposing lock, John Peter Campbell, forced his way over the line to reclaim the lead at 8-7.
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Kenya were undeterred. A well-weighted kick-and-chase was finished off by Erick Juma to make it 12-8, though the conversion drifted wide. It looked like Chipu had seized control—but Namibia had other ideas.
Campbell again proved unstoppable, barging over for his second try, converted by Xavier Mouton to make it 15-12. The southern Africans tightened their grip with another try from Alfred Vercuil, with Mouton again accurate from the tee to stretch the lead to 22-12.
Chipu had a golden chance to cut the gap, but Juma’s penalty sailed wide. Still, they fought on. Kipchirchir struck again, this time slicing through the defense for his second try, reducing the deficit to 22-17.
Yet Namibia weren’t done. John Connor Nel crossed the line for a crucial try, and Mouton’s conversion gave them a cushion at 29-17.
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Kipchirchir then turned provider, setting up Terrence Ogutu to keep Kenya’s hopes flickering. But another missed conversion left them trailing 29-22.
Mouton landed a late penalty to all but seal the contest, capping off an intense battle that ended 32-22 in Namibia’s favour.
The result leaves Chipu’s title hopes hanging in the balance. To keep their dream alive, Kenya must not only beat Zimbabwe U20 decisively on Sunday, but also pray for a major upset—Tunisia beating Namibia by a large margin—in the final round.
Only the top two teams at the Barthes Cup will qualify for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, scheduled for July in Italy. For Chipu, the path just got steeper—but it’s not entirely closed.
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