Lakers Hockey Club crowned a historic continental campaign by winning their first-ever Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) women’s title, dethroning defending champions Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a dramatic final decided by post-match shootouts in Harare, Zimbabwe.

In a tightly contested final at St John’s College Astro Turf, Lakers held their nerve to secure a 2–0 shootout victory after regulation time ended 1–1, marking a landmark moment for the Kisumu-based side.

GRA struck first in the fifth minute through Elizabeth Opoku, who converted a penalty corner to give the Ghanaian champions an early advantage.

Lakers responded with patience and resilience, gradually growing into the contest before finding the equaliser in the 37th minute. Faith Amondi finished off a well-worked move with a field goal to level the match and swing momentum in favour of the Kenyan side.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the title was decided in post-match shootouts. Maurine Achieng and Debra Otieno converted their attempts as Lakers sealed a 2–0 victory, ending GRA’s reign and securing their maiden continental crown.

The triumph capped an impressive turnaround for Lakers, who had opened the tournament with a defeat to GRA before bouncing back with victories over Hippo and Bulawayo to reach the final.

Lakers head coach Sheldon Ulisi credited the team’s unity, mental strength, and preparation for the historic success.

“We used the rest days to boost players’ confidence and build team wholeness and harmony. Team cooperation, while adhering to our gameplay, was the key to winning the final,” said Ulisi.

He also praised the collective effort behind the scenes.

“We had a well-prepared and committed team. The coaches, together with management, worked tirelessly to ensure the players were fit and mentally ready for the tournament.”

Ulisi believes the victory will elevate the club’s profile both locally and internationally.

“This win has highlighted the effort from the ladies. It has crowned Lakers Hockey Club as African champions and increased the team’s visibility and stature both nationally and on the continent,” he added.

Looking ahead, he called for greater support to sustain success. “Building on this achievement, we hope to mobilise resources that will improve the team’s welfare and operations in the league and other competitions.”

Lakers’ triumph marks one of Kenya’s most significant achievements in women’s club hockey in recent years, ending GRA’s dominance and underlining the growing competitiveness of Kenyan sides on the continental stage. The victory also validated the club’s earlier appeal for corporate and institutional support after highlighting the financial and logistical challenges faced during preparations for the competition.

In the men’s competition, USIU-A concluded their ACCC campaign on a positive note, finishing fifth overall following a dominant 7–2 victory over Zambia’s Hotspurs in the classification matches. Forward Danstone Wabwire starred with four goals, while Brian Ogenche added a brace and Lawrence Makhatsa scored once to complete the rout.

The result capped a mixed tournament for USIU-A, who had opened with a 4–1 win over Kampala before suffering defeats against Egyptian heavyweights Port Fouad and Sharkia.

With Lakers lifting the women’s trophy and USIU-A securing a respectable fifth-place finish, Kenya leaves Harare with renewed confidence and strengthened continental credibility.

Source: mozzartsport.co.ke