Kenya beats Ghana 3-1 in the third-place match
Kenya women’s hockey team, also known as Blades, defeated Ghana 3-1 to finish third at the African Hockey Road to Olympics 2024 at the University of Pretoria in South Africa on Sunday. Goals from experienced Caroline Guchu (3rd), Naomi Kemunto (7th) and Eleanor Chebet (33rd) were enough to help the East Africans complete a double against the West Africans who they beat 3-2 in their last pool “B” match last week. Mavis Berko scored the lone goal for Ghana in the 10th minute through a penalty corner to lead the goal scoring log with six goals.
Kenya’s Flavia Mutiva, who was named the player of the match, said it feels good to have beaten Ghana despite missing out on the final. “We played better today and I’m happy we reigned supreme over our rivals Ghana once again. Not the best of the results we wanted when the tournament began, but at least we finished on the podium,” said Mutiva, who plays for Blazers in the Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League.
Kenya lost to Nigeria in the semi-final
Kenya’s hopes of reaching the final and securing a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were dashed by Nigeria, who beat them 1-0 in the semi-final on Friday. Nigeria’s captain Rita Akande scored the only goal of the match in the 17th minute from a penalty stroke. Kenya had several chances to equalize but failed to convert them. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was in superb form and denied Kenya’s attackers with some brilliant saves.
Kenya’s coach Meshack Senge said he was disappointed with the result but proud of his team’s performance. “We gave our best but it was not our day. Nigeria defended well and we could not break them down. We have to accept the outcome and move on. I congratulate my players for showing great character and fighting spirit throughout the tournament,” he said.
South Africa wins the title and qualifies for the Olympics
South Africa women’s hockey team won the title and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after thrashing Nigeria 8-0 in the final on Sunday. South Africa dominated the match from start to finish and scored four goals in each half. Lisa-Marie Deetlefs scored a hat-trick, while Lilian du Plessis, Candice Manuel, Tarryn Glasby, Quanita Bobbs and Kara-Lee Botes added one goal each. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nnadozie was overwhelmed by the onslaught and could not prevent the rout.
South Africa’s coach Robin van Ginkel said he was delighted with the victory and the qualification. “We are very happy to have achieved our goal of qualifying for the Olympics. We played very well today and showed our quality and experience. Nigeria did well to reach the final but we were too strong for them. We are looking forward to representing Africa in Paris and competing with the best teams in the world,” he said.
