Kenya overpower Namibia in Rio 2016 qualifier
Kenya women’s hockey team launched their qualification campaign for the 2016 Olympic Games with a 2-0 win over Namibia at the Randburg Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday.
Two first half goals from Lillian Aura and Audrey Omaido gave the women’s team a perfect start in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Lillian Aura put Kenya ahead in the 20th minute through a field goal that beat Namibia keeper Petro Stofberg at her near post before Omaido doubled the lead a minute to half time for a 2-0 lead for Kenya at the break.
It was the first meeting between the two sides with Namibia making their debut in the continental event.
Kenyan coach Jos Openda named a strong line-up that consisted of eight Telkom Orange players and three Strathmore Scorpion players.
MEMORABLE DEBUT
Scorpions forward Gilly Okumu and Yvonne Karanja, the team’s vice-captain won their first caps. Okumu had a memorable debut partnering Orange’ Omaido upfront and was involved in the build-up to Kenya’s second goal.
Kenya began slowly with Namibia dictating early proceedings. However, they were punished for failing to turn possession into goals as Kenya took the lead with their first attack of the match after an exchange of passes between Aura and skipper Tracy Nungari.
The Namibians continued to threaten with a series of short corners before Omaido doubled the lead after she was set up by Okumu’s nice lay off.
On Saturday Kenya will take on Zimbabwe who were 9-0 winners over Tanzania in the tournament’s opening match.
Viviers Roxanne scored a hat-trick and Kelly Kaulback hit a double as Zimbabwe ran riot. Other players who got their names on the score sheet were Sarah Evans, Amy Brooke Iman Johnson and Michelle Williams.
Zimbabwe were 4-0 up at half time before adding the other five goals in the second half of a match in which Caren Ouma and Deborah Ouma were the first and second umpires.
