
In Harare, Zimbabwe, where the Barthés Trophy action continues to heat up, Namibia's U20 rugby team is making headlines once again, following back-to-back victories in this year's competition.
After a commanding win over Zimbabwe on Day One, Namibia proved their mettle again on Day Two in a thrilling clash against Kenya.
Day One saw Namibia kick off their Barthés Trophy campaign in style, cruising to a 41–22 victory over host nation Zimbabwe in Harare.
But the real test came on Day Two, as they faced off against a determined Kenyan side.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to break through resolute defenses.
Namibia eventually broke the deadlock through a penalty conversion by Schalk Kuhn after a high tackle on one of their players, giving them a narrow 3–0 lead heading into halftime.
But Kenya struck early in the second half. Their center, Michael Muriithi, made a brilliant break through Namibia's defense to score the first try of the match, swinging momentum in Kenya's favor at 7–3.
Namibia responded with tactical substitutions, injecting fresh energy from the bench.
The impact was immediate. Number 4, J. Campbell, powered through for Namibia's first try, though the conversion was missed—putting the score at 7–8.
Kenya answered with another well-crafted try from winger Erick Juma, but Namibia were not done yet. Campbell crossed over again for his second try of the day, and this time Kuhn nailed the conversion, giving Namibia a 15–12 lead.
Then came a moment of brilliance from Namibia's fullback, Alfred Vercuil, who finished off a perfectly timed offload to stretch the lead to 22–12.
Kenya's Muriithi was back on the scoreboard with a try in the corner to bring it to 22–17, but Namibia weren't finished.
Flanker J. Nel added another try for the boys in blue, followed by a penalty conversion from Xavier Mouton, taking the score to 29–17.
Kenya's winger Terrance Ogutu grabbed a late try to keep hopes alive, but it wasn't enough.
Namibia sealed the game with a 32–22 win—a strong performance that keeps their title hopes alive.
Namibia now heads into their third match of the tournament with high spirits, as they prepare to face Tunisia this Sunday.