Hockey: Scorpions sting GRA as Orange thump Twende

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU in KAMPALA

Strathmore ladies beat Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 2-1 in the ongoing Africa Hockey Club championships at Lugogo stadium in Kampala.

 Defending champions Orange Telkom beat Twende of Tanzania 3-0 to better their chances of retaining the title.

Strathnore ladies better known as Scorpions making their second attempt to the continental crown have won all their matches.

Head coach Meshack Senge was full of praise for his charges saying, “We earned victory because the players followed instructions.”

  “They understand that they have to play as a unit and that has had positive results.”

They went into the match full of confidence counter attacking and defending. Their efforts paid off in the 21st minute when Yvonne Wanjiku sent the ball past GRA goalkeeper Grace Mensah.

The Ghanians composed themselves playing on the offensive and threatening Strathmore defence. Emelia Fosuaa converted a penalty corner leveling the score three minutes to the breather.

Wanjiku was at it again scoring the winning goal in the 35th minute earning the Scorpions their second win.

Defending champions Orange beat Tanzanian’s Twende to book a semi-final spot.

Caroline Guchu put the champs ahead in the 13th minute through a short corner.

Tanzanian girls, determined to contain the champs defended well keeping them at bay. Jacqueline Jow put Orange two up before the halftime whistle.

Margaret Rotich converted a penalty corner in the 61st minute to seal the much needed victory.

Speaking after the match, head coach Jos Openda was very optimistic they will fight hard to retain the title.

Smaller margin

“We won by a smaller margin, we wanted more goals but the three points are more important,” he said.

“We look forward to our semi-final match hoping to retain our title,” he added.

 Kenya Police suffered their first loss against Egypt Police.

They were beaten 4-1 by their North African counterparts.

Kenya Police went up in the 23rd minute through midfielder Oliver Echenje who dribbled from the left beating the Egypt defence.

They maintained the lead to the 35th minute when Adlelaal Mohab punished them for losing focus.

They played a balanced second half with both teams fighting hard to take the lead. Eldinaly Heshem converted a penalty corner putting the Pharaohs ahead in the 61st minute.

Four minutes later Mohamed Ahmad punished Kenya Police for not being alert while on patrol scoring a fantastic field goal.

Mohab was at it again sealing the 4-1 victory. Police now have to win all their remaining matches to make it to the semi-finals.

––emburugu@standardmedia.co.ke