Kenya’s U21 men’s hockey team will face Egypt in a high-stakes 2024 Junior Africa Cup (JAC) playoff match on Friday, 25 April, in Windhoek, Namibia, with the final World Cup qualification slot on the line.

Despite a spirited performance on Thursday against African giants South Africa, the Kenyan side succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, finishing fourth in the group standings behind South Africa, Namibia, and Egypt. With South Africa and Namibia already through to the World Cup, Kenya and Egypt will battle it out for the third and final ticket to the FIH Junior World Cup.

Kenya opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before thrilling fans with a 4-4 stalemate against Egypt. A 5-3 loss to hosts Namibia put pressure on the team, but a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zambia revived their hopes.

The team entered yesterday’s match already in the playoff bracket thanks to Egypt’s dramatic 2-1 win over Zimbabwe in stoppage time, which locked the North Africans into third place.

In the match against South Africa, Kenya started brightly when Tarankabir Bhamra deflected a pass from Fredrick Ochieng into the net in the 10th minute.

South Africa responded quickly, with Carlon Mentoor leveling the score just two minutes later. The match remained deadlocked until the 56th minute when the South Africans found the net again, eventually sealing a 3-1 victory with a late third goal.

On the women’s side, Kenya’s campaign came to a close after a 4-1 loss to Zimbabwe dashed their hopes of making the playoffs. The team needed a win to progress or hoped Zambia would beat Uganda, but neither scenario materialized. Uganda edged Zambia 2-1 to clinch the final playoff spot, leaving Kenya outside the top four.

Final Day Fixtures – April 25

13:15 – Women’s 3rd/4th Playoff: Zimbabwe vs Uganda

15:30 – Men’s 3rd/4th Playoff: Egypt vs Kenya

17:45 – Women’s Final: South Africa vs Namibia

20:00 – Men’s Final: South Africa vs Namibia