Strathmore snap Sailors’ unbeaten run

Strathmore University Scorpions on Saturday ended Amira Sailors unbeaten run with a 1-0 win in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League match at the City Park Stadium.

Lucy Wanjiku, who returned to the starting line up after a three-month absence, struck the winner in the 42nd minute to give the Scorpions the vital win.

Newcomers Amira, who made their debut in the top flight league this season, were hoping to win the match as they seek their maiden title. However, their ambitions were dealt a blow as Scorpions dug deep to secure all three points.

Scorpions coach Meshack Senge was pleased with the result but said his charges should have won by a bigger margin after creating several chances.

“We deserved the win because we controlled the match for long spells. I am happy for Lucy (Wanjiku) because she has been working hard in training and she proved to be the difference between the two sides,”  Senge told Sunday Nation Sport.

Amira came into the match as the form team between the two sides and were the best side in the opening quarter as striker Leah Omwandho and Sheila Chebet troubling the Scorpions defence.

The duo created the first chance in the 13th minute as Zawadi set up Omwandho but the latter could not score with only Scorpions keeper Natasha Maria to beat. The duo were again involved in another chance this time Zawadi was unable to finish off Omwandho’s cross.

Scorpions eventually settled in the match and skipper Yvonne Karanja’s runs created openings for her teammates to go forward.

A sweeping move in the 30th minute saw striker Gilly Okumu waste a one-on-one chance with Amira keeper Rachel Kerubo.

Scorpions were on top at the halftime whistle and coach Senge introduced Wanjiku for the ineffective Winnie Odongo.

Her introduction bore fruit in the 42nd minute after she won a penalty corner for her team. Doreen Hongo dragged the shot and Wanjiku’s first time shot beat Kerubo to sail in.

Scorpions poured forward in search of more goals and they should have doubled the lead five minutes later as Wanjiku set up Okumu but the latter could not sound the board from 12 yards.

Amira’s attackers were neutralised by the impressive Elizabeth Ngombo at the heart of the Scorpions defence.

“We were disappointing in attack especially in the second half. I think we showed them too much respect and got punished for our naivety. We shall improve in our next match,” Amira coach Linet Onyango.

In another women’s league tie, Sliders played to a 0-0 draw with USIU Spartans at the same venue.