Hockey: Kenya thrash Namibia kick of Africa Cup of Nations with a win

Uganda's Maxwell Mugusa(left) and Kenya's Edson Omukkamani in action at Sikh Union, Parklands during an Africa Cup of Nations Test match. ON March 20, 2021. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Kenya national men’s hockey team on Tuesday evening taught Namibia how to play hockey after defeating the South African nation 4-1 to kick off the 2022 Africa cup of Nations on a winning note in a match played Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra, Ghana.

Led by captain Constant Wakhura, Kenya led 1-0 by the end of first quarter before Namibia fought back to tie the scores at 1-1 heading into half time.

After a barren third quarter, Kenya gave its all in the final quarter where they scored three goals to win the match.

Remarkably, Kenya won the match with ease despite arriving in Ghana five hour to the match after departing late for the hockey continental games that kicked off on Monday.

Wakhura gave Kenya the lead in the opening quarter after converting a penalty corner in the 14 the minute of the match.

Three minutes into the second quarter, Tjikuniva Isascar restored parity for Namibia after netting in the 18th minute which sent the two sides to the break tied at 1-1.

In the final quarter, Allan Iningu, Emmanuel Awino and Festus Onyango all joined the score sheet to inspire Kenya to victory.

Kenya are in Group A alongside South Africa and Namibia. The East Africans are now joint top with South Africa with three points.

This is after South Africa defeated Namibia 13-0 on Monday.

Kenya will play South Africa on Wednesday.