KENYA HIT NIGERIA: National hockey team win opener in FIH World League

Chase Sailors George Mutira with the ball as Kenya Police Felix Okoth blocks when they played Men Premier at City Park yesterday, 17/07/2016. Chase Sailors scored 3-2. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

The men’s national hockey team began their International Hockey Federation World League One campaign on a high with on Friday night.

They beat Nigeria 3-1 at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra, Ghana. The Kenyan men were the better side as they subdued their opponents scoring three first half goals at an interval of eight minutes each.

The Kenyans now need victory in their remaining two matches against hosts Ghana and Namibia to secure their ticket to the next round.

National Team Manager Godfrey Bila said that the opening match victory had given his charges confidence to excel in their subsequent ties.

“This win given confidence to my players most of who are making their international debut.

“I believe that this conquest has ignited self-belief in them and they will be confident in their remaining matches,” Bila told Feverpitch on phone from Accra.

Captain George Mutira led from the front announcing Kenya’s intent to win eight minutes into play as he out-witted the Nigerian defence and goalkeeper Oluyemi Siyanbola to give Kenya an early lead.

Strathmore University’s Constant Wakhura made it two scoring from the spot after Kenya was awarded a penalty stroke following a foul in the circle in the 16th minute.

Calvin Kanu of Kenya Police made a memorable entry to the international scene giving Kenya a third goal eight minutes later.

National team coach Meshack Senge might have had a goal in mind and belief in Kanu’s abilities giving him a chance to prove his worth after 14 minutes of play.

Sikiru Salawu pulled one back for Nigeria in the 25th minute as the West Africans resorted to defensive play.

In other matches of the day, homeboys Ghana routed Namibia 7-1 to better their chances of qualifying for World League Two.

Michael Baiden bagged a brace for Ghana while Emmanuel Ankomah, Shadrack Baah, Johnny Botsio, Richard Adjei and Cofie Isaac scored one goal each.

Pieter Jacobs scored Namibia’s consolation goal.

The Black Sticks who are ranked 46th in the World showed superiority over their colleagues from Southern Africa by defeating them in the second men’s game of the day.

Ghana with the win over Namibia will now face Nigeria and Kenya as they seek to secure a slot to Round 2 of the World Hockey League.

Ghana’s female team had earlier defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the Women’s division.