Scorpions taint Amira's league run in a hockey women’s league match

Strathmore University Angela (l) and Vikings Sarah Bonareri in action when they played ladies Premier at Citypark yesterday. Strathmore scored 1-0. ON 18/09/2016. PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE

Strathmore University Scorpions edged debutantes Amira Sailors 1-0 to end their unbeaten run in a hockey women’s league match played yesterday at City Park Stadium.

Former Scorpions captain Lucy Wanjiku’s 42nd minute goal was enough to subject the bankers to their first league loss.

The win earned Strathmore crucial points that saw them leap to the summit of the women’s table of standings with 11points, one ahead of defending champions Telkom Orange.

Strathmore who missed out on a club championships slot after finishing in third place last season, proved to be the better side. They controlled the proceedings with their midfield led by skipper Yvonne Karanja enjoying good ball possession but were failed by blunt finishing.

Strathmore coach Meshack Senge told Feverpitch that despite securing the three points his charges could have done better. “I appreciate the three points but I believe that they could have done better and won convincingly with a good score. Our opponents were resilient but I doubt they played to win because my goalkeeper was not put to test,’’ Senge said.

Amira, not ready to go down without a fight, tightened their defence limiting Scorpions movement in the first half as it ended without a meaningful attempt at goal for both sides. The bankers got a chance in the 18th minute, but Jedidah Zawadi failed to convert a short corner hitting the right post. Strathmore’s Gilly Okumu came close in a one on one encounter with Amira goalkeeper Racheal Kerubo in the 26th minute but her shot went wide for to end in a barren draw by the breather.

Strathmore came into the second half rejuvenated and yearning to take the lead with Okumu threatening to strike but her efforts were twarted by a vigil Amira defense. After some minutes of near misses Wanjiku came through for Strathmore from a penalty corner nicely pushed by Winnie Odongo and stopped by international Elizabeth Ngombo.

Amira coach Linnet Onyango said that her charges played well but failed to create chances. “The girls played well but created less chances.

We are still learning and moving forward we need to work on our finishing in preparation for our remaining matches.’’