Uganda defeat Zambia 81-0 in U20 Barthes Trophy opener

Hosts Uganda secured a dominant 81-0 victory against Zambia in the first leg of their 2026 U20 Barthes Trophy First Division series in Kampala.

Uganda secured an 81-0 victory over Zambia in the opening match of their two-legged 2026 U20 Barthes Trophy First Division series. The hosts controlled the match from the start, scoring 13 tries to complete the shutout.

Joshua Magali, Sylvester Mungu-Acel, Faizo Baluku, Elijah Kantinti, Ambrose Sesbalijaa, Abraham Mujuni, Victor Agaba, Titus Allan, and Johnny Okello all found the try line. Dodovico Olowo and Gideon Kisangala each recorded two tries during the encounter.

The Ugandan pack drove the team forward throughout the game, creating consistent opportunities for the attackers. This result places Uganda in a strong position as they seek promotion to the elite division of the tournament.

The two sides will meet again for the second leg of this First Division contest on Tuesday, August 11, at the Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala. Following the Zambia fixtures, Uganda is scheduled to play Zimbabwe on August 15 to finish their second-tier campaign.

Zimbabwe enters the final stages of the tournament following a 35-23 semi-final loss to Kenya in the Performance Division. Uganda previously competed in the top tier of this competition in 2005 and 2006.