Machakos off to flying start in college games

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Machakos launched their women's regional hockey title defence with a 1-0 victory over International Teaching and Training College (ITTC) as Nairobi Region games got underway yesterday in Machakos.

Emily Lonyang'apuo scored the all-important goal five minutes to the final whistle to give her side the crucial points.

Playing in a round-robin format, Machakos knew too well that every point counts, therefore fought hard against the unrelenting ITTC.

They put up a spirited fight, but their efforts were thwarted by the ITTC backline. After numerous failed attempts, Lonyang'apuo finally got it right, giving her side three crucial points and an edge over their opponents.

In another women's match, Narok and Kitui played to a goalless draw.

In the men's matches, last year's silver medallist ITTC thumped Thogoto 4-1. Edgar Keya, Pius Ngeke, Nelson Wekesa and John Muga scored for ITTC, while Hilton Mwamsae netted Thogoto's consolation goal.

In another men's match, Kitui and Narok drew 2-2. Raphael Silas and Cosmas Limo scored for Kitui, whereas Banjamin Saitoti and Joseph Sairuwua scored for Narok in the evenly contested match.

Women's football champions ITTC began their defence on a high, winning 2-0 against Narok. Rosemary Wanja and Sharon Khasandi netted for ITTC. The win did not come any easy against a stubborn Narok side.

Hosts Machakos handed their guests Eastern Kenya Integrated College (EKIC) a rude welcome to the games with a 6-0 drubbing in another women's encounter.

Mercy Chesang and Josephine Achieng scored a brace each, while Rachael Nzioki and Jane Aketch scored one goal apiece for the home girls. The Kitui team did not score in their previous two matches against Sunrise and Thogoto. They both ended in barren draws.

EKIC were not lucky after their men's team lost 3-0 to hosts, Machakos. Meanwhile, Mwingi defeated Sunrise 2-1.