Polished Orange humiliate Egyptian
Defending champions Orange Telkom kicked off Africa hockey Cup of Club championships title in style by thrashing Egyptian side El Shams 7-0 in their opening game at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bualwayo, Zimbabwe.
A brace each from Carolien Guchu set the Africa queens on their way to capping off a dominant display against a defensive minded Shams side who were forced to play in their won half for most of the match.
Orange went ahead in the 19th minute through a penalty corner that was finished by Terry Juma after nice set up from Barbara Simiyu. Hellen Chemtai made it 2-0 as the Shams defence struggled to contain the pace of Orange.
Lillian Aura scored on the half mark to capitalizing on a defensive mix up in the Shams defence to give his team a 3-0 lead going into the breather.
The second half was no different with Orange dominating as their opponents sat deep relying on counter attacks to go forward.
Skipper Betsy Ommala sounded the board from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to score her team’s fourth before Barbara Simiyu converted another short corner six minutes later.
Caroline Guchu scored in the 55th and 66th minutes to give the champions a remarkable start. In another match, Heartlands of Nigeria trounced Twende of Tanzania 5-0 .
On Sunday, Kenya’s other team Strathmore Scorpions face another Egyptian side Sharkia at 3 pm as they look to reach back to back finals.
Men’s defending champions Egypt Police floored poor Gentrix of Malawi 17-0 to begin their title defense on a high note.