THE Namibian Under-20 national rugby team lost 28-34 to Kenya’s Chipu, in their opening match of the Barthes Trophy, staged at Harare, Zimbabwe.

According to Citizen Digital, an online publication in Zimbabwe, Patrick Wainaina drilled in a penalty in the opening exchanges to record Kenya’s first points, but Namibia quickly made amends with a penalty of their own to level things up.

Former Chipu’s captain Michael Wamalwa went over the line for Kenya’s opening try of the game moments later, but Wainaina missed the extras.

Having established some rhythm in the game, Eugene Etale landed another try for Chipu with James Olela successfully converting for a 15-3 lead. Namibia got a chance to reduce the deficit through a penalty kick, but Chipu extended their lead as Eugene Ojiambo pounced on a loose ball to score Kenya’s third try. Olela made amends after missing the conversion to drill in a penalty kick just before half-time as Kenya headed to the break leading 23-6. Namibia was the quickest off the blocks in the second half, and their efforts instantly paid off as they landed their first try of the game.

Kenya’s Olela was in fine form with his boots as he lashed in another penalty kick, with Namibia answering with a second unconverted try.

Namibia ramped up the pressure and forced Kenya into a series of errors, and they capitalised, scoring another try to make it a three-point game. The two teams traded penalty kicks and tries, with
Kenya managing a try in the final moments to run out a 34-28 win. 

Namibia will play their second match on Wednesday against hosts Zimbabwe.