Kenya stare at imminent exit: National women's team loses second match in Egypt

Orange Telkom Caroline Guchu blocks Nigeria Kada Queens Loveth Moogiate when they played Africa Cup Championship at City Park yesterda, on 07/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Ghana come from behind to win 2-1 in continental championships.

Kenya's quest for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations women's title was dealt a blow after the national team lost 2-1 to bitter rivals Ghana yesterday at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.

This was Kenya's second defeat after they lost 5-0 to defending champions South Africa in their opening match on Sunday evening.

The second loss also puts Kenya in a precarious position as they chase a ticket to next year's World Cup.

Despite scoring first through Telkom's Caroline Guchu, the Kenyan girls failed to hold on to their lead and allowed the Ghanaians to score quick goals in the dying minutes.

The defeat dimmed Kenya's hopes of advancing to the final, which would have moved them closer to claiming the continental ticket to the global showpiece. 

The rivalry between the two sides was evident as they battled relentlessly in the hunt for goals. Ghana started with their best talent in Serwaa Boakye, Nafisatu Umaru, Cecilia Amoako, Martha Sarfoa, and Janet Adampa, whose international experience was unrivalled. Their lethal striker, Elizabeth Opuku, was relegated to the bench.

Kenya's coach Wilson Otieno also had his top players in the first 11 with only Elizabeth Ngombo and Pauline Naise starting from the bench. 

The Kenyans started their goal hunt in earnest as they employed an offensive play, but Ghana's defence, led by Umaru, was not ready to let them have their way.

Ghana introduced Opuku in the sixth minute and her speed combined with brilliant dribbling from Sarfoa and Boakye saw them threaten Kenya's backline.

However, goalkeeper Cynthia Onyango had her defence of Rachel Ousa, Terry Juma, and Jane Muragu was well organised, thwarting the Ghanaians' efforts.

After numerous attempts on both ends, Guchu put Kenya ahead one minute to halftime as she brilliantly sent the ball past Ghana goalkeeper Bridget Azuma. That was the only goal in the first half as the first quarter had ended in a barren draw. Kenya returned for the second half with a 1-0 lead and defended well, hanging on to their slim advantage into the final period. 

Ghana, known for their fighting spirit, were not ready to concede and pressed on in the hunt for an equaliser. Their efforts bore results as Boakye converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute to restore parity.

Umaru converted another penalty corner three minutes later to subject Kenya to their second loss.

It was once again a bad day for Kenya as the men's team was not spared either, losing 4-1 to Egypt.