Late departure costs Tausi match against Ghana

Kenya women’s hockey team Tausi have lost their second match to Ghana through a walkover due to unavailability at the Theodosia Okoh stadium for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nation (CAN) in Accra, Ghana.

Today, African Hockey Federation (AfHF) awarded Ghana three points in hand with three goals.

Ghana who are in Pool B together with Zambia, Kenya and Nigeria, have accumulated a total of four points from the two matches with five goals following a 2-2 draw against Nigeria for their opener.

This is a result of a delayed departure for team Kenya by the Ministry of Sports, for the quadrennial event that kicked off yesterday.

This could be a second match for Tausi to lose if Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) President Nahashion Randiek couldn’t have sent a plea to AfHF to reschedule their opener to Wednesday.

Today, a squad of 46 hockey affiliates that was unveiled on January 13 by KHU to represent Kenya managed to make their way to Accra via Ethiopian Airline - a day after the championship kicked off due to a layover in Ethiopia hence late landing to Accra leading to a walkover.

Sports Ministry facilitation board had promised to finalize the finance logistics by last Friday but it never worked.

KHU president Nahashion Randiek expected they could depart on Saturday for them to meet their fixtures but all was in vain by the end of the day.

He later wrote to African Hockey Federation (AfHF) late on Saturday requesting for the rescheduling of Tausi against Zambia match that was scheduled for Monday (1pm EAT) to Wednesday same time.

Earlier, KHU Secretary General Wycliffe Ongori had hinted to Citizen Digital on the confusion impending hockey federation following unclear communication over facilitation by the Ministry.

KHU could be sanctioned if the squad could have failed to travel.

Today, Chui who are in Pool A with South Africa, will face Namibia in their first match for the 11th CAN edition.

MEN

Goalkeepers: Samuel Silong (USIU-A), Solomon Murila (Wazalendo),

Defenders: Constant Wakhura (Butali Sugar), Robert Masibo (Kenya Police), Emmanuel Wiswa (Western Jaguars), Kennedy Munialo (Butali Sugar), Edson Omukamani (Western Jaguars), Maxwell Fuchaka (Butali Sugar)

Midfielders: Allan Iningu (Sikh Union), Ivan Ludiali (Western Jaguars), Clifford Omari (Wazalendo), Clayson Luvanda (Butali Sugar), Richard Njuki (Western Jaguars), Brian Ogenche (Strathmore)

Forwards: Danstone Barasa (Wazalendo), Festus Onyango (Butali Sugar), Bethuel Masambu (Western Jaguars), Francis Kariuki (Butali Sugar), Titus Kimutai (Kenya Police)

Coach: Michael Malungu

Team Manager: Wycliffe Ongori

Video Coach: Meshak Senge

WOMEN

Goalkeepers: Fiona Makena (USIU-A), Milly Adhiambo (Lakers)

Defenders: Lynn Mwangi (USIU-A), Beatrice Mbugua (USIU-A), Vivian Onyango (Lakers), Beverly Akoth (Lakers), Flavia Mutiva (Blazers)

Midfielders: Naom Kemunto (USIU-A), Moureen Owiti (Lakers), Maureen Okumu (Blazers), Grace Akumu (USIU-A), Leah Omwandho (Amira sailors), Tamunai Kipsang (Strathmore), Jeriah Nyanchamah (Strathmore)

Forwards: Grace Bwire (Blazers), Alice Owiti (Lakers), Rhoda Kuira (USIU-A), Chebet Eleanor (Blazers), Aurelia Opondo (Lakers)

Head Coach: Jacquline Mwangi

Coach: Barbara Simiyu