Kenya secure win over Uganda in Addis

JKUATS Aggrey Ondieki aim to score as SPU Team Patrick Onyango, left, Gibson Luyari and Eugene Kuvai challenge him in vain during the begining of Handball league at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, February 7th, 2015. PHOTO/JONAH ONYANGO

When the national men’s handball team left for the All Africa Games qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, they knew too well what lay ahead.

With continental glory at stake, the only assurance for stardom was to sweep any opposition at hand, and it didn’t come as a surprise when faced with little resistance, they defeated neighbours Uganda 25-18 in their opening match.

Uganda had threatened Kenya’s onslaught in the first 20 minutes, but fazed out without warning, as they trailed 10-11 at half-time.

According to the team’s head coach, Peter Mwathi, the score could have been more flattering, had the team had enough time to rest after late arrival for the championship.

After the breather, they were able to counter their opponents and keep hopes alive for qualifying to Africa Games set for Brazzaville in September.
With the win, Kenya now tops group A ahead of Uganda and Rwanda, while Burundi lead group B after defeating hosts Ethiopia 25-23.

With the absence of African champions Egypt in the qualifiers, Kenya will do everything possible just to grab the coveted ticket.

“The squad is good and had an exciting match against Uganda. We played well and our experience came in handy,” said centre back Victor Siero.

Qualifiers

Only five men’s and three women’s teams are taking part in the qualifiers, where winners in both categories will qualify for the continental show-piece.

The Ugandan women seemed stronger compared to the hosts after they registered a resounding 28-23 win in their opening fixture.

Kenya’s women’s team was scheduled to start their campaign against Uganda yesterday evening.

Already, Algeria, Libya, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Angola, Egypt and Brazzaville men’s teams have qualified, while Algeria, Brazzaville and Zambia have booked in the women’s category their respective regions.