Kenyan teams finally register wins in Egypt
What you need to know:
- The women's team, who lost to South Africa (5-0) and Ghana (2-1), will play Egypt in their final match on Saturday.
- In another match, Ghana beat Egypt 6-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Kenya’s hockey teams finally recorded their first wins at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt on Wednesday.
The men's team came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 while the women's team recorded a 1-0 win over the same opponents on Day Four of the continental competition at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium.
After suffering two straight defeats in their opening matches, there was no room for error in yesterday's matches. With World Cup qualification hopes all but gone for both teams, the two sides battled to salvage pride.
The men's team were first up against a Nigerian team that also lost its first two matches. The West Africans were thrashed 13-1 by hosts Egypt on Sunday before been crushed 8-1 by champions South Africa on Monday.
It was therefore a surprise when they took the lead against Kenya as John Michael slotted home past the onrushing Kenyan goalkeeper Linus Sang in the 39th minute.
Kenya had been the better side up until then but failed to turn the chances to goals.
Strikers Festus Onyango, Amos Barkibir and George Mutira had all gone close but were denied by Nigerian keeper Simon Awasa. Awasa was finally beaten in the 43rd minute as Onyango converted Allan Iningu's short corner to level the scores.
Four minutes from time, Kenya once again won a short corner and Butali Sugar Warriors' Constant Wakhura sounded the board to complete the comeback and Kenya held on for the win.
Kenya lost 3-0 to Ghana on Day One before succumbing to a 4-1 loss to Egypt on Monday. Men's coach Meshack Senge praised his charges for the improved performance.
"Two opening losses had really taken the confidence from the lads but today they battled hard and I laud their tenacity and fighting spirit," Senge said.
FOURTH ON THE LOG
The win sees the side remain fourth with three points.
Kenya take on champions South Africa in their final match on Saturday.
In the women's contest, Pauline Naise scored the winning goal a minute from time to break Nigeria’s heart. The match, which had few chances, seemed to be heading for a draw before the Amira Sailors' forward popped up to sound the board.
The women's team, who lost to South Africa (5-0) and Ghana (2-1), will play Egypt in their final match on Saturday.
In another match, Ghana beat Egypt 6-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
