Title hunt hots up: Battle for Africa crown and World Cup slot intensifies at City Park Stadium

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU

Part of the action between Kenya and Egypt in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations hockey championships in Nairobi. [PHOTO:JENIFFER WACHIE/STANDARD

Today, the heat is on at the City Park stadium as Africa’s finest men and women in hockey battle it out.

At stake is the continent’s most coveted hockey crown, which gives its winners the sole right to represent Africa in next year’s World Cup in The Netherlands.

Following their 6-2 victory against Ghana and 6-1 thumping of Egypt, favourites South Africa are in the finals of the men’s category.

Ghana are out of contention following their 2-0 loss to hosts Kenya and a one-all draw against defending champions South Africa.

Kenya went into their second match determined to win and better their chances of getting a direct ticket to The Hague in The Netherlands.

After a disappointing 3-2 loss to Egypt, the hosts worked hard on their porous defence, which cost them the first match. Head coach Meshack Senge made changes in goal, bringing in Kenya’s number one goalkeeper James Kayieko for Linus Kipkemboi.

Kayieko was superb in goal, making crucial saves, and was rightfully the man of the match after keeping Kenya in the match as the Ghanaians intensified their attack.

He made a crucial save in the 27th minute from a short corner, ensuring that the first half ended in a barren draw.

Coming into the second half, the hosts intensified their hunt for goals, mounting counter attacks that threatened the Ghanaian defence.

The Wanangwe brothers, Frank and Davis, were no match for their opponents, displaying their dribbling prowess and speed.

efforts paid off

Their efforts paid off in the 46th minute when Davis converted a penalty corner before a foul against him in the penalty area earned Kenya their winning goal as youngster Constant Wakhura scored from a penalty stroke in the 59th minute.

The results put Kenya second behind South Africa. They must win against the champions to advance to the finals.

Coach Senge, who is confident of making it to the finals, said: “We are taking every match as a final match. Our tie against South Africa will not be easy but we will give it our all,” he said.

Third-placed Egypt, who are tied on three points with Kenya but with an inferior goal difference, will battle it out with Ghana for the finals spot.

The Kenyan ladies have a must-win match against top of the log Ghana to make it to the finals.

Their 13-1 win against Tanzania put them third on the log. South Africa is second tied on four points following a 3-1 win against Kenya and the 1-1 draw against Ghana.

“Winning is not an option in our match against Ghana. We will fight tooth and nail to gain victory,” captain Betsy Ommala said.

—[email protected]