Kisumu Simba lose to USIU

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Hockey Union Premier league cup holders Kisumu Simba returned to their lakeside base with their tails coiled between their legs after they failed to qualify for the play-off stage of the competition.

Simba only managed to collect a point from two fixtures at the weekend in a performance that saw them surrender the crown in advance to the disappointment of their fans.

Simba drew 2-2 in a tough and entertaining match with United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) before falling 4-1 to Strathmore University in their second match.

They needed a clear win to remain in contention for the four-team knockout stage that will be played later this month.

The outgoing champions can collect a maximum of 30 points with two matches to go at the league phase of the competition.

Uphill task

However, this may be an uphill task, considering the high standards of the game in the competition.

Simba’s failure to reach the play-off is a big blow to the team that finished third at the African Cup of Clubs Championships held in Nairobi last December.

Kenya Police, who lead the table standings with 45 points, have qualified for the knock-out stage alongside Strathmore (43), Green Sharks (38) and Wazalendo (35).

Simba went into their first match against lowly ranked USIU-A as hot favourites, but the students unleashed the proverbial kicks of a dying horse to contain the experienced lakeside boys to a 2-2 draw.

USIU-A shocked Simba with a 17th minute goal from Francis Maina but they fought bravely to equalise through Alex Omwenga in the 26th minute.

Teddy Dunde put Simba 2-1 up when he scored in the 37th minute and the visitors seemed headed for victory until Alex Kubasu shattered their dreams with a classic goal eight minutes to time.

The defeat discouraged Simba as they easily went down 4-1 to Strathmore 24 hours later on Sunday.

Sweet Victory

Strathmore scored through George Mutira in the 40th and 43rdminutes before Davis Wanangwe (55th) and Nelson Shiahale (58th) sealed the defending champions’ fate. The consolation goal came from Clement Wamalwa in the 11th minute.

The victory was a sweet revenge for the students since they had suffered a 1-2 defeat in the hands of Green Sharks a day earlier.

Sharks, who needed victory to be assured of a play-off place, took the lead in the 13th minute when Leonard Mutuku scored.

Strathmore equalised through Ken Nyongesa in the 40th minute, but captain Nixon Nyangaga hit the target in the 48th minute to hand Sharks maximum points and a passage to the play-offs.