Published on January 30, 2024 by Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Kenya Online News
In a spectacular debut at the Hockey 5s World Cup, Kenya’s men’s hockey team showcased their prowess with a remarkable 6-1 victory against New Zealand on Sunday at the Hockey Oman Venue in Muscat.
The Kenyan squad wasted no time establishing dominance, as Danstone Wambwire netted a goal within the first minute of the match. The momentum continued with Ivan Ludiali adding a second goal in the sixth minute, followed by Shelton Kimutai extending the lead to 3-0 in the eighth minute. Although New Zealand managed to pull back a goal a minute later, Kenya remained resilient.
Entering the second half, Moses Andemba contributed to Kenya’s tally, making it 4-1 in the 22nd minute. The team’s relentless spirit was evident as Richard Wanganga and Moses Ademba sealed the victory with two more goals, ending the match at an impressive 6-1.
However, the jubilation was short-lived as Kenya faced a setback in their next match, losing 7-2 to Trinidad and Tobago. Hat-trick champion Mercano Teague led the Caribbean team with a stellar performance, putting them in front in the second minute. Despite Ludiali’s equalizer, Trinidad and Tobago regained the lead with Pierre Mickell’s goal, ending the first half at 3-1.
Mickell continued his dominance with a goal in the 25th minute, but Moses Andemba’s corner goal a minute later momentarily narrowed the gap for Kenya. Teague’s relentless scoring, adding another goal, and Marcano Tariq completing a hattrick secured Trinidad and Tobago’s victory, leaving the Kenyan team in second place in pool C.
Despite the setback, Kenya remains optimistic as they prepare for a crucial showdown against Australia in their final group stage match on Monday afternoon. The Hockey 5s format, known for its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay with five players on each team, promises an exciting conclusion to Kenya’s group stage journey.
Kenya’s qualification for this quadrennial event stems from their remarkable third-place finish at the Africa qualifiers in December 2022, where they defeated Zambia 5-2. Guided by the experienced coach Michael Malungu and supported by Kevin Lugalia, the Kenyan team features seasoned players who have proudly represented the country in numerous international tournaments, including stars like Ivan Ludiali, Moses Muigai, and Moses Ademba.
