Tuesday, 27.01.26
Coach Ulisi believes that her charges have what it takes to beat the experienced Ghanaian side and secure the title
Kenya’s continental clubs’ hockey campaign produced contrasting outcomes on Tuesday, as Lakers Hockey Club sealed a place in the women’s gold medal match, while USIU-A suffered a setback in the men’s competition at the ongoing Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Lakers confirmed their growing momentum in the women’s tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over Bulawayo Hockey Club, finishing the round-robin stage second on the standings and setting up a gold medal clash against defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Saturday, 31 January.
Goals from Millicent Adhiambo, Maurine Achieng and Mourine Owiti were enough to earn the Kisumu-based club victory. Owiti was named player of the match following a commanding display that underlined Lakers’ attacking depth.
The win capped an impressive recovery for the Kenyan girls, who had opened their campaign with a 2–0 loss to GRA before bouncing back with wins over Hippo and Bulawayo. Their late surge has now earned them a shot at continental silverware.
Lakers’ coach Sheldon Ulisi said the team’s confidence has risen steadily as the tournament has progressed. “The morale in the team is soaring, and we are building on that energy and using the experience from previous matches to prepare for the final,” said Ulisi.
Ulisi added that efficiency in front of the goal will be key against the experienced Ghanaian side. “We are looking to utilise all the chances that will come our way during the match.”
The Lakers coach also pointed to recovery and tactical refinement ahead of the final showdown. “With the time we have to prepare for the match, we have addressed all the injuries that came up in the first games and are using the rest days for recovery and game planning to adjust our tactics for the final,” he said.
Victory on Saturday would mark a historic moment for the club and Kenyan women’s hockey. “The team is well prepared for this competition. The win will secure a great record. We have been looking forward to setting a high standard in Kenyan hockey and bringing the trophy and pride home.”
In the men’s competition, USIU-A endured a difficult afternoon, going down 6-1 to Egyptian champions Portfoaud in their second group match. The heavy defeat leaves the Kenyan students third in Pool A, behind fellow Egyptian sides Sharkia and Portfouad.
USIU-A faces a demanding end to the group stage, with a fixture against School of Excellence Hockey Club (Namibia) scheduled for Wednesday, 28 January, before closing their pool matches against defending champions Sharkia on Thursday, 29 January.
The remaining matches will be decisive in determining their final classification and potential progression routes.
With Lakers eyeing continental glory in the women’s final and USIU-A seeking to regroup in the men’s tournament, Kenyan attention now turns to the business end of the ACCC. Saturday’s final against GRA presents Lakers with an opportunity to crown a resilient campaign, while USIU-A will aim to salvage momentum and finish strongly against elite opposition.
Source: mozzartsport.co.ke
