Hockey: Kisumu Simba strike but Kenya Police claim league title
Hockey
By
-ELIZABETH MBURUGU
| Mar 31, 2014
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| Kisumu Simba’s Stoel Jeroan (left) challenges Green Sharks’ Johnstone Mulindi for the ball.[PHOTO:JENNIPHER WACHIE] |
By ELIZABETH MBURUGU
Kisumu Simba trounced Greensharks 2-1 in a match played yesterday at City Park hockey stadium in Nairobi.
However their victory was not good enough to earn them the title as they tied on points with winners Kenya Police who had a superior goal difference.
Kisumu head Coach Cliffe Okello told FeverPitch that the eight goals was a tall order for the team and made his players panic before the game.
“We were expected to score eight goals in order to win, that was not an easy task for us, my players panicked before the game,” he said.
Okello was however, pleased with his team’s performance this season saying they achieved their objective.
“Our goal was to play in the club championships and we managed to secure the slot. We now shift our focus to preparations for a comeback on the continental scene,” he added.
Dennis Owoka opened the scores for Kisumu in the 13th minute scoring a fantastic field goal after running rings in the circle. Sharks, determined to make amends for their loss last season, composed themselves stopping their opponents from breaking through their defence.
The second half saw a balanced match with both teams attacking. Frank Wanangwe added to his goal tally in the 48th minute through a field goal after Sharks goalkeeper Linus Sang failed to clear from danger zone.
Sharks captain Samuel Mucheke pulled one back in the 54th minute reviving their hopes of salvaging a draw.
The match gained momentum with both sides threatening to score. Sharks goalkeeper was called to action several times but managed to protect his team’s lead as he made super saves.
On Saturday, Kisumu edged out Kenya Police 1-0 to end their unbeaten run. Wanagwe scored a controversial 52nd goal that was disputed by Police but was awarded by the umpire Lusiro Gona, a former Kisumu Simba player. Wanangwe scored from a high ball that is considered dangerous.