2025 Barthés Cup: Chipu fall to Namibia U20 in hard-fought battle
Chipu’s hopes of defending their Barthés Cup title suffered a blow after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful battle against Namibia U20 in Harare. Despite a second-half surge, Kenya U20 fell 32-22 in a match that now leaves their title defence hinging on final day results.
Kenya’s U20 rugby side, Chipu, saw their hopes of retaining the Barthés Cup title take a hit after a 32-22 defeat to Namibia U20 in a gripping encounter played on Wednesday at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Having opened the tournament with a 29-21 win over Tunisia U20, Chipu entered the match brimming with confidence. Namibia, too, had started strong, defeating hosts Zimbabwe U20 41-22, making Wednesday’s showdown a potential decider in the race for the title.
On paper, Namibia looked the stronger side - noticeably more imposing in size - but Chipu refused to be intimidated. The Kenyan side matched their physicality and discipline from the opening whistle, even surviving a yellow card to Daniel Kipchirchir in the 12th minute without conceding. The Namibians managed only a single penalty in the first half, converted by Johannes Roussow, and went into the break with a narrow 3-0 lead.
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Chipu turned the game on its head early in the second half. A sweeping move allowed Kipchirchir to storm over the try line, with Brian Achacha adding the conversion to give Kenya a 7-3 lead. Namibia responded swiftly through their towering lock John Peter Campbell, who powered over to restore a one-point advantage at 8-7.
Kenya hit back almost immediately with a well-executed kick-and-chase move, finished off by Erick Juma. Although the conversion was missed, Chipu led 12-8 and seemed to have gained momentum.
But Namibia U20 found another gear. Campbell scored his second try, with Xavier Mouton converting to reclaim the lead at 15-12. They followed it up with another try from Alfred Vercuil, Mouton again adding the extras to make it 22-12.
Chipu missed a chance to close the gap when Juma’s penalty attempt went wide, but they remained determined. Another flowing attack saw Kipchirchir cross the line for his second try, narrowing the deficit to 22-17.
Namibia once again responded immediately. John Connor Nel’s try, converted by Mouton, extended their lead to 29-17. Still, Chipu refused to fold. Kipchirchir turned provider, setting up Terrence Ogutu for Kenya’s fourth try of the match. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 29-22.
With time running out, Mouton slotted a final penalty for Namibia U20, bringing the curtain down on a tense and entertaining contest that ended 32-22 in favour of the southern Africans.
Chipu must now hope for a decisive win against Zimbabwe U20 on Sunday, while banking on a heavy loss for Namibia U20 in their final match against Tunisia U20, if they are to retain the title they won last year.
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