Ulinzi warriors signal intent by denying Burundi victory

By REBECCA GICHANA

Ulinzi Warriors laboured to beat Burundi 28-24 in the ongoing 7th edition of East Africa Military Games and Cultural Events at the Nyayo National Stadium handball court.

This is the second win after they defeated Tanzania in their opening match 27-24 to keep their hopes alive of retaining the title they won 2011 in Bujumbura,Burundi.

Ulinzi coach James Kinyua said the match was good adding his players’ use of  energy and speed contributed to the win.

“Our main aim is to retain the cup and nothing else,” said the tactician.

He added: “We have shown our intention at the early stages of the championship to retain the cup by winning our two matches and looking forward for our next fixture. Uganda will be our last match in the championship. It will be a very tough match but the last time we played against them we won by a difference of six goals,” said the coach.

Kenya started the match with two quick scores in the first three minutes of the encounter but the Burundian intensified attacks to register their first goals.

The home team seemed relaxed in the first ten minutes to give the Burundians easy penalties that were converted to add the tally of scores.

The defending champions opened the lead five minutes to the breather to record 13-11 with the Burundian coach seeking the first time out of the match to give his players new tactics to counter their opponents.

The first half ended with the home team leading 15-13 with Burundi efforts in taking penalties in the second half going into frames after loosing two to Ulinzi goalkeeper.

Both teams intensified attacks with Kenyans scoring and Burundi doing the same to their goal but thanks to great speed from the Ulinzi attack who managed three fast breaks to lead the visitors.

Kinyua sought for time out six minutes into the end of the match to give his players new clues to maintain the leadand it paid for him.

At the same time, Uganda thrashed Rwanda 45-35 in an earlier match played at the same venue.

Uganda and Kenya have already won two matches each with Tanzania still yet to win a match in the championship.

There will be no matches today with teams expected to resume tomorrow. Rwanda will play Tanzania while Uganda will battle it out with Burundi.