Kenya's Blades lose second match in Birmingham

Kenya women’s hockey team the Blades posted a spirited and better performance in their second game albeit going down 8-0 to Australia in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Despite losing today's game, Kenya posted positive statistics like enjoying a 40pc possession to Australia's 60pc finding themselves behind 5-0 and 3-0 in both halves respectively.

The ladies kicked off their 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign on a low after losing 16-0 to defending champions New Zealand in their opening match played at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre on Friday morning.

Kenya marked a poor debut at the Birmingham games trailing 9-0 at the break before conceding seven more goals in the final half.

The Jackie Mwangi-coached side started the game on the back foot after trailing 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Poor communication between defense and goalkeeper has been the major undoing for the Jackie Mwangi coached side combined with short and over hit passes and failure to close the gaps allowing more freedom for their opponents.

Other than the defending champions,  New Zealand and the 2014 champions Australia, Kenya are in Group B alongside Scotland and South Africa.

Blades will take on Scotland on August 1 at 11am (EAT) before they complete their group matches with a clash against African giants South Africa on August 2 (4pm).