Namibia’s Under-20 rugby team fought back from a disappointing first half to secure an 11–6 victory over Tunisia in the Performance Division of the Rugby Africa Barthés Trophy U20 2026 at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku Uganda.

Namibia, the defending champions from 2025, trailed 0–6 at halftime after an error-filled opening 40 minutes in which the team struggled to maintain its structure and execute its game plan. Fly-half Mc-Rein van Wyk came off the bench and put Namibia on the scoreboard with a penalty in the 42nd minute.

Another replacement, loose-forward Nzola-Menza Nkunku, then scored the only try of the match in the 58th minute after Tunisia failed to control a lineout steal inside their own 22.

Van Wyk was unable to convert the try, but Namibia moved ahead 8–6. He later sealed the victory with a well-taken 74th-minute drop goal.

Reflecting on the comeback, Namibia’s captain credited the halftime discussion for helping the team regain its focus.

“We didn’t stick to our structure. The effort wasn’t there, the execution—we were all lacking,” he said.

He praised the team’s second-half response, particularly the kicking performance, saying it was a “solid shift from the boys.”

The victory sees Namibia progress to next Tuesday’s final, where they will face the winner of the Zimbabwe versus Kenya encounter as they continue their title defence.

By Rudi Bowe