Kenya Chipu avenge Namibia defeat to lift Barthes Cup
Kenya Chipu were crowned 2026 Barthes Cup champions after beating Namibia 33-14 in a thrilling final at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The Chipu entered the final determined to avenge last year's defeat to Namibia and wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest.
Scrum-half Michael Olukusi was at the centre of Kenya's bright start, capitalising on a lapse in the Namibian defence to race through for the opening try. Rayvon Amunga added the conversion to give Kenya an early 7-0 lead.
Kenya continued to press and were rewarded with a second try through Jibril Lugonzo. Faran Mutemi converted to stretch the lead to 14-0 as Kenya took control of the first half.
Namibia returned from the break with renewed purpose, putting the Kenyan defence under sustained pressure. William Beukes missed an early penalty attempt, but Namibia continued to attack, particularly inside Kenya's 22-metre area.
Their persistence finally paid off when Nzola Nkunku crossed for a try, with Beukes converting to reduce the deficit to 14-7.
Kenya, however, remained composed and soon restored their dominance. Olukusi's quick thinking created an opening for Jackson Siketi, who finished clinically to put Kenya 19-7 ahead. Mutemi was unable to add the conversion.
The missed kick did little to unsettle Kenya, as Amunga soon went over for his own try. He converted to put the Chipu firmly in command at 26-7.
Namibia refused to surrender and introduced fresh legs, which helped them regain momentum. Their efforts were rewarded when Ethan Sinden crossed the line, with Luther van Wyk adding the extras to make it 26-14.
With time running out, Namibia pushed forward in search of another score, but Kenya had the final say.
A scintillating line break by Siketi opened up the Namibian defence before Randy Otuoma finished off the move to score Kenya's fifth try. Amunga converted to seal a convincing 33-14 victory.
Olukusi then kicked the ball into touch as the final whistle confirmed Kenya as the 2026 Barthes Cup champions, completing a memorable revenge mission against Namibia.
