ZIMBABWE CLAIM BARTHES TROPHY BRONZE AS SECOND-HALF SURGE SENDS TUNISIA DOWN

By ASVG Media

Zimbabwe responded emphatically to their semifinal disappointment by defeating Tunisia 38-12 to claim third place in the Performance Division of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy in Kampala. After entering halftime level at 12-12 following a physical and evenly contested opening period, Zimbabwe transformed the match after the break with a dominant performance at Muteesa II Stadium. Munangi Kamwendo, Wayne Gandiwa, Kudakwashe Kachambwa, Curtis Mashonganyika, Rukudzo Madinga, Mthabisi Ndlovu and captain Takudzwa Matsvimbo all crossed the try line as Zimbabwe rediscovered the attacking rhythm that had been missing during their 35-23 semifinal defeat to eventual champions Kenya. Tunisia had earlier capitalized on Zimbabwe flanker Cyril Cherayi’s yellow card, scoring through Youssef Bejaoui and Mohammed Youssef Abid, but the North Africans were unable to contain Zimbabwe once the contest shifted decisively in the second half. — ASVG Media

The victory gives Zimbabwe the bronze medal and provides an encouraging conclusion to their continental campaign, while the result carries far more difficult consequences for Tunisia, whose fourth-place finish confirms their relegation from the Performance Division to the First Division. For Zimbabwe, the response demonstrated resilience and the developmental value of competing against Africa’s strongest U20 programs. “We are just proud to do this for all the people back home,” Kamwendo said after the match, adding that improved communication and energy had transformed Zimbabwe’s performance after halftime. His biggest lesson from the tournament was equally straightforward: “You never give up.” That mentality ultimately ensured Zimbabwe departed Kampala on the podium and with another important building block for the future of the country’s rugby pathway.