Hockey: Champs Orange lock horns with hosts BAC in Africa Cup

Telkom Orange player Hellen Chemutai controls the ball during their match against Strathmore at City Park Stadium. [PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE]

Orange Telkom target a dominant play against hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) in their second match of women’s pool A in the ongoing Africa hockey Cup of Club Championships here at Khumalo Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Orange are in a quest to defend the title they have held since 2012 when they won it at the same venue and retained it early in the year in Kampala, Uganda. They began their campaign on a high with a 7-0 victory against Shams of Egypt.

Orange captain Betsy Ommalla told Feverpitch BAC was a very tough side and they will need to put in more effort to grab the win.

“They are a very solid side. The last time we played them we won but the victory did not come easy, we fought hard and we expect a tougher encounter today,” she said.

Ommalla added that BAC had an upper hand because they are playing at home.

“They have home support, which is an added advantage but we will not be intimidated, we will play our hearts out to achieve our objectives.”

This will be the second time the two clubs meet, Orange beat BAC 4-1 in 2012 on their way to winning the title. Chantelle Dexter of BAC said they will play better so they can improve on their past performance.

Shams of Egypt and Twende of Tanzania will be eyeing their first victories as they battle each other in another pool A match. Group B will see Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) take on Sharkia of Egypt. GRA hammered Gentrix of Malawi 16-0 in their opening match.

Former champions Sharkia of Egypt will play Gentrix in the men’s group A tie. The Malawians will be seeking their first victory after suffering a humiliating 17-0 defeat in the hands of defending champions Egypt Police.

Trustees of Ghana will tackle home boys Eradicators who were subjected to a 9-0 beating by Sharkia at their own backyard, while Police Machines of Nigeria plot to arrest hosts Hippo Valley.

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