Tunisia through to the semis at the expense of Madagascar

Tunisia booked their U20 Barthes Trophy semifinal ticket courtesy of a 54-16 win over the Junior Makis of Madagascar. The match kickstarted an action-packed afternoon with a chance to face defending champions Zimbabwe in the offing.

Tunisia was the first on the scoreboard with an unconverted try in the 8th minute but Madagascar replied with two quick penalties to take the lead for the first time in the game. Tunisia would then retake the lead just before halftime as winger Wassim Ifaoui went over for the game’s second try. Ahmed Riahi missed the ensuing conversion to see Tunisia go into the break with a 10-6 lead.

The second half was more electric and more exciting from the start. Tunisia extended their lead with two quick converted tries courtesy of Oussama Baya and Youssef Kouria with Ahmed Riahi adding the extras.

Madagascar then replied with a penalty of their own before Tunisia conjured up a lethal response. First, an Ahmed Riahi penalty, then two quick-fire tries within a minute with Riahi managing just one conversion. The game would then go into a bit of a lull for five minutes before Tunisia found a way to strike again through an Oussama Baya try.

The last 10 minutes of the game would see both teams exchange blows in equal measure. First, Tunisia with a penalty, then Madagascar with a converted try, and then Tunisia again with a converted try to take the scores to 54-16. Tunisia would hold on to that score until the final whistle.

Tunisia will now face Zimbabwe in the semifinal on Wednesday while Madagascar will play Ivory Coast.

 

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