Kenya women thrash Zambia to start Africa Cup of Nations on a high

The national women's hockey team has kick-started their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a high after defeating Zambia 3-0 in their Group B match played at Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra, Ghana.

Commonly referred to as Tausi, the Jacky Mwangi coached side followed on the footsteps of their men counterparts, Chui, who brushed aside Namibia 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Tausi put aside the disappointment of Tuesday's walk over to Ghana to collect maximum points and inch close to qualifying for the quarterfinals.

The Kenyan teams arrived in Ghana on Tuesday afternoon, but it was too late for the ladies to make their match against Ghana, who were handed the walkover.

Kisumu Lakers Hockey Club’s striker Aurelia Opondo who was making her international debut with the national team gave Kenya the lead in the first quarter before veterans Flavia Mutiva and Grace Bwire added to the score sheet to earn Tausi three points.

The Kenyan ladies were scheduled to face Zambia on Monday, but the match was rescheduled since the former had not arrived.

This is after KHU wrote to African Hockey Federation (AfHF) requesting the national women's team opening match of the championship against Zambia, scheduled for Monday be moved to a later date.

The win takes Kenya to third in the log with three points behind hosts Ghana and Nigeria in Group B.

The walkover development left Ghana top of pool 'B' with four points after they played to a 2-2-draw against Nigeria on Monday.

Nigeria are second also on four points after they beat Zambia 2-1 on Tuesday. After the defeat to Kenya, Zambia are fourth with no points.

With the top two teams advancing to the semis, Kenya must now defeat Nigeria to qualify for the knock out stages.

Kenya will face off against Nigeria on Thursday.