Mixed results for 3x3 team as hockey girls thrashed again

Team Kenya 3x3 basketball player Mellisa Akinyi in action during their training session at the Smithfield Market in Birmingham United Kingdom on July 28, 2022. (Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

Kenya's men and women 3x3 basketball teams had mixed fortunes as they made their debut at the Commonwealth Games.

The men team made a good start on Friday night after beating pre-match favourites Sri Lanka, but the women team lost the opener to Australia.

The win puts Kenya in a better position to qualify for the semi-finals as they prepare to play Scotland in their third and final preliminary matches today.

Kenyan men are pooled in group A alongside Canada, Sri Lanka and Scotland.

Coached by Zadock Adika, the Kenyan men team that comprised of Larry Shavanga, John Wijass, Darril Omondi and Faheem Juma defeated Sri Lanka 21-18 but lost narrowly in the second match 15-12 to Canada.

Kenyan rugby fan waves the Kenyan Flag during day one of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Coventry Stadium on July 29, 2022 on the Coventry, England. (Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

In women category, Kenya recovered from an opening 21-15 loss to Australia to beat Sri Lanka 21-18 in their second match.

The team had towering Melissa Akinyi, Victoria Ronalds, Hilda Indasi and Madina Okot and is under coach Eunice Ouma.

The Kenyans take on Scotland today. In women division, Kenya is pooled with Sri Lanka, Australia and Scotland.

Kenya Basketball Federation Vice President Hilmi Ali said it will be a great opportunity for the 3x3 basketball teams to be on the world map.
"This is our first appearance in the Commonwealth Games and we are so excited. Our players are young but want to make a name in the games and improve their world ranks," Ali said.

Kenya's Michael Githae waves to the crowd before the medal ceremony of men marathon during the Birmingham Commonwealth games at the Victoria Square on July 30, 2022. (Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

Kenya Under-23 3x3 team will feature for the first time in the world championship qualifiers in Romania.
Elsewhere, the Kenya women's hockey team poor run at the Birmingham games continued after losing their second match to Australia 8-0.

Kenya who are in Group B alongside defending champions New Zealand, 2014 winners Australia, Scotland and South Africa have now lost two matches.
Commonly referred to as the Blades, Kenya were schooled by defending champions New Zealand on Friday on how to play hockey with a 16-0 thrashing.

There was no much improvement yesterday with the only notable change witnessed on the scoreline after reducing the margin of goals to 8-0 against the Aussies, half of what they conceded on the opening day.
The Jackie Mwangi-coached side have now conceded 24 goals with two matches left.
Kenya face Scotland on Monday at 11am (EAT) before they complete their group matches with a clash against African giants South Africa on Tuesday (4pm).