Kenya's under-20 men's rugby 15-a-side team, Chipu, stormed into the final of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy after outmuscling Zimbabwe 35-23 in Kampala on Friday to set up a title showdown against defending champions Namibia on August 11.
Both sides will be chasing a record fourth crown and qualification for the World Rugby Junior Trophy.
Runners-up last year, 2019, 2021 and 2024 champions Kenya produced a clinical display, scoring five tries while punishing Zimbabwe's costly handling errors to secure their place in final.
Coach Simon Jawichre's side raced to a 23-6 halftime lead through tries by winger Brian Kiptanui and inside centre Rayvon Ambale, while fullback Faran Juma added valuable points from the kicking tee. Zimbabwe stayed within touching distance thanks to two penalties from flyhalf Connor Lovatt.
Zimbabwe mounted a spirited response after halftime when eighth-man Vimbiso Kasvosve crossed from a rolling maul to narrow the deficit.
However, Chipu quickly regained control as scrumhalf Michael Andale, hooker Jibril Lugonzo and outside centre Dennis Livoi each crossed the whitewash to put the result beyond doubt. A last-gasp try by Zimbabwe centre Michael Chimedza only reduced the margin after the outcome had already been decided.
Earlier, Namibia survived a major scare to edge Tunisia 11-6 in the opening semi-final of the Performance Division.
Tunisia dominated the opening half and led 6-0 at the break through two penalties by scrumhalf Mohamed Afli after forcing the defending champions into repeated infringements under humid conditions at Muteesa II Stadium.
Namibia fought back after the interval as substitute Mc-Rein Van Wyk converted a penalty before fellow replacement Nzola Nkunku scored the only try of the match. Van Wyk then sealed victory with a decisive drop goal, sending the Junior Welwitschias into a blockbuster final against Kenya.
