Kenya Chipu overpower Namibia to register strong start in 2024 Barthes Cup
20th April 2024
Chipu secured their first victory in the dying minutes of the encounter as they registered a 36-28 win.
- Chipu led 23-6 at half time and managed to weather a late second half storm from Namibia for the win.
- They will face Tunisia on Wednesday with the final match against Zimbabwe set for Saturday, April 27.
- A round-robin format will be used with the winner booking a ticket to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy which will be hosted in Scotland in July.
The Kenya U20 rugby team overcame a stern test against Namibia in their opening match of the 2024 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup as they claimed a 36-28 win at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Saturday, April 20.
Simon Jawichre's side started the tournament strongly after
Patrick Wainana gave them a 3-0 lead with a successful penalty conversion early
on.
Namibia equalized but Michael Wamalwa went over the
whitewash to restore Kenya's lead with the conversion missing the mark.
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Eugene Etale landed the second try of the match and Olela
took up the kicking duties to put Chipu in great control of the match at 15-3.
By the time the referee blew the half-time whistle, Chipu
was leading 23-6 after Eugene Ojiambo got Kenya's third try of the game with Namibia also slotting
in another penalty.
Chipu faltered in the second half allowing Namibia to close
the gap and even threatened to snatch away the win as they scored four tries to
bring the game to a nervy 29-28 scoreline.
Nonetheless, Kenya secured their much-needed victory through
a last-minute try that ensured Kenya sealed a 34-28 victory.
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The win replicated last year's performance where they beat
Namibia 24-13 at Nyayo Stadium in the semifinal.
Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea and Geylord Ngasi formed the
starting front row with Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo pairing as the locks.
Captain – Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli and Iddo Kuta were deployed on the loose forwards in the nail-biting encounter.
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Scrumhalf Patrick Wainaina and flyhalf Jackson Siketi were
utilised by coach Simon on starting duty linking the forwards to the backs
while Alvin Khavoli, Olela and Eugene Ojiambo formed the back three line of
Chipu winning side.
Chipu faces Tunisia on Wednesday April 24 with the final
match against Zimbabwe set for Saturday, April 27.
A round-robin format will be used with the winner booking a ticket to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy which will be hosted in Scotland in July.
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