Betty Tioni scored in the 31st minute to hand the Kenya Hockey League women defending champions Telkom Orange a slim but vital 1-0 win over Vikings in a hockey league match played on Sunday at City Park.
Apart from the goal, the game was dull as Orange failed to match their champions’ status despite having an organized display. They had few opportunities in the first half with Jackline Jow and Tioni being guilty of wasting many clear chances that they could not utilize.
The only visible chance for the Vikings came in the 12th minute when Tewi Onyango had to force a dangerous save by Orange goalkeeper Ruth Njoki from a trademark long range shot.
In the second half, Vikings seemed to be the more rejuvenated side as they created chance after chance but the Orange defense was always alert to clear any danger.
Their main player was under-21 player Vivian Achieng who dictated the proceedings in the midfield and even created many chances upfront with nobody to finish them off.
In the men’s league, University of Nairobi,UoN, whitewashed favorites Gymkhana 7-2 in what turned out to be a one-sided match at the same venue.
Gymkhana seemed to offer no challenge as they went down as early as 6th minute courtesy of a John Wafula goal.
Two minutes later, Taran Jandu replied for Gymkhana with a very quick goal as both teams tried to settle down.
The students went up again in the 13th minute when Robert Ajwang capitalized on a defense lapse to punish Gymkhana.
Harpinder Mann who staged a man-of-the-match performance put the match level with a wonder goal in the 23rd minute that came off from a tight angle on the right corner.
UoN added two successive goals by Willis Akala and Ben Kiprotich before Captain Denis Aganyo scored from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute to make it 5-2 as they went for the breather.
The second half was equally full of action as UoN began with a coordinated type of play from all departments.
Gymkhana players had to do a lot of running and they conceded the sixth goal in the 41st minute when Willis Akala grabbed his second of the match after capitalizing on a goal melee. Denis Wekesa sealed Gymkhana’s fate with a 66th minute goal.
Francis Marangu
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