Champions Blazers show no mercy to MSC to maintain unbeaten run

Lucy Wangechi (L) and Racheal Owour of Blazers reacts against Army Ladies of Ghana during their African Cup Club Championship at Sikh Union Club in Nairobi. February 19, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women’s Premier League champions Blazers Hockey Club drubbed Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) 4-0 in a match played yesterday at Dashmesh Stadium.

The victory saw the record titleholders make it four wins out of five and maintain the top spot on the table with 13 points.

Aurelia Opondo was on fire, bagging a brace for Blazers, who are looking to retain their title. MSC goalkeeper Sherleen Awino was in trouble from the onset as goal-hungry Blazers players threatened to breach their territory. Eleanor Chebet would not let the Coastal girls settle in the match, scoring Blazers opening goal seconds into the match.

Chebet made two before the first quarter break and added her second in the 37th minute. The Jacky Mwangi-coached side was done and dusted in the 46th minute after Audrey Omaido made it 4-0.

Former champions Strathmore University Scorpions suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to newcomers Kisumu Queens at the Kisumu Simba Club.

The Scorpions failed to contain the newly promoted side, slamming to their third loss of the season. The 2022 winners are having a dull season and have only won two out of six encounters.

After 27 minutes of play, Beryl Achieng finally outwitted the Strathmore defence to break the deadlock in the 28th minute, giving the home girls a 1-0 lead going into the breather. Strathmore, who are yet to find their footing, would fight to equalise, but their efforts were fruitless even as the Queens backline remained solid.

Determined to secure maximum points, Claire Mmosi netted the second goal in the 42nd minute to reduce Scorpions' chances of staging a comeback. Daughty Ranga beat goalkeeper Rebecca Nasambu to sound the board in the 51st minute and seal the Scorpions' fate.

Kisumu proved to be unfavourable for Nairobi teams, as Twinkle Hockey Club were not spared either by their hosts, Lakers Hockey Club. Lakers had no regard for their guests as Joan Ng’iye hit one past goalkeeper Mary Ajuoga within seconds of play. With the first goal having caught them off guard, Twinkle tightened their defence, stopping Lakers from scoring more goals.

However, a lapse in the 57th minute would see Sylvia Wanyonyi net the second goal in the 57th minute to keep the lakeside team in the race for this season’s gong.

Today, Scorpions will take on Lakers while Twinkle will play Kisumu Queens in a bid to secure victory and avoid leaving Kisumu empty-handed.

In the Men’s Premier League title chase, KCA University whipped Parklands Sports Club 4-1 to register their first win of the season.

Having conceded in the second minute after Erick Kidwaro put Parklands in the lead, they rallied from behind to end their losing streak. Philip Kituyi, captain Arnold Marango, Wambugu Kihoro and Kevin Omulama scored one goal apiece for KCA.