Kenya humble hosts India to reach final: Nikki Ngugi opened the score sheet

Kenya Women Polo team [Courtesy, Standard]

The national team meets USA at Mapal Kangjeibung grounds in Manipur today.

Kenya humbled India Polo Association (IPA) 9-3 in the semis to glide into the final of Third Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament in Manipur, India, on Friday evening.

Kenya will battle United States of America (USA), who edged out tournament favourites Australia 3-2 in the second semis, in a do or die final at Mapal Kangjeibung grounds today.

Kenya’s encounter with IPA turned out a one-sided affair as Imogen Voorspuy stood out for the visitors in the first chukka thanks to attacking skills.

Her attacks opened leeway for her team mates to reap goals from the hosts. Nikki Ngugi opened the score sheet for Kenya with a beautiful goal within 30 seconds.

Kaila Millar converted a field goal for a 2-0 lead and the match became a one-sided affair in the fourth minute as the visitors gave the hosts no breathing space.

Ngugi took her tally to two after she slotted in a field goal in the fifth minute to make it 3-0 for Kenya.

The hosts pulled one back through Sanya Suhag, handicap two player, in the sixth minute before the period ended 3-1.

Kenya had a field day in the second chukka. Tiva Gross, the team captain and handicap two player and Millar dovetailed well at the back on resumption.

Their partnership shut IPA from the visitor’s backline and gave Voorspuy a chance to continue with her attacks.

Ngugi scored in the 55th second of the chukka to make it 4-1 for Kenya. She again found the opponent’s backline three minutes later to make it 5-1 before half time.

Grateful for the gig margin, Gross took a break and stood on the touchline to encourage her team mates when they resumed for the third quarter.

But her absence was felt, forcing Millar to play at the back where she hit some great shots upfront.

Kenya managed to pump in three goals through Millar (brace) and Ngugi to take their lead to 8-1 in the chukka.

Ngugi scored a solitary goal in the fourth chukka to give Kenya a 9-1 lead. The hosts struggled and pulled back two goals through Suhag before the match ended 9-3.

“We were almost certain we would meet Australia in the final as they looked a strong side,” she said.