Polished Orange humiliate woeful Egyptians in charge for African title

Defending champions Orange Telkom launched their Africa hockey Cup of Club championships title defence in style after a 7-0 thrashing of Egyptian side El Shams in their opening game at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bualwayo, Zimbabwe on Saturday.

A brace each from Caroline Guchu led the Africa champions on their way, capping off a dominant display from the Kenyan champions against a defensive minded Shams side who were forced to play in their won half for most of the match.

Orange went ahead in the 19th minute through a penalty corner that was finished by Terry Juma after nice set up from Barbara Simiyu. Hellen Chemtai made it 2-0 as the Shams defence struggled to contain the pace of the Orange players.

PUT THE SCORE BEYOND DOUBT

Lillian Aura scored the third goal on the half mark to capitalising on a defensive mix up in the Shams defence to give his team a 3-0 lead going into the breather.

The second half was no different with Orange dominating as their opponents sat deep relying on counter attacks to go forward.

Skipper Betsy Ommala sounded the board from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to score her team’s fourth before Barbara Simiyu converted another short corner six minutes later.

Caroline Guchu scored in the 55th and 66th minutes to give the champions a remarkable start. In another match, Heartlands of Nigeria trounced Twende of Tanzania 5-0.

On Sunday, Kenya’s other team Strathmore Scorpions face another Egyptian side Sharkia at 3pm as they look to reach back to back finals.

Men’s defending champions Egypt Police beat poor Gentrix of Malawi 17-0 to begin their title defence on a high note.

Police scored their goals thorough Elshahat Sayed and Mansour Mustafa who both bagged hat-tricks while Saber Mohab, Ossman Mandor, Mohamed Ahmed and Atef Karim scored a brace. Other players who got their name on the score sheet were Magdy Mhand, Sayed Amr, and Ahmed Mohamed scored a goal each.

Heartlands are joint top with Orange in Pool A with both teams on three points but the Kenyan champions are on top courtesy of most goals scored.

Heartlands skipper Justina Onyedum also scored three goals for her team against Twende while Chioma Eberindu scored two to condemn the Tanzania side to defeat.

Heartlands will have a chance to go top if they beat Shams on Sunday.