Former champions Blazers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lakers in their first loss of the season in the Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League.
The match was held at Kisumu Day High School on Saturday. Lakers took an early lead with Maureen Achieng’s goal in the first minute and held on for the rest of the match to secure the win.
The blazers had been unbeaten so far in the league but were unable to break through the Lakers’ defence to level the scores.
The win was significant for the Lakers as they had previously been unable to beat Blazers in recent encounters. In the previous season, both teams played to a 1-1 draw both home and away. They also tied during this year’s African Cup for Clubs Championship held in Nairobi in February.
Blazers now sit in second place with nine points from four matches, two behind leaders and defending champions Strathmore University Scorpions who have played six matches and were not in action over the weekend.
Amira Sailors are third with eight points from four matches, while the Lakers are fourth with seven points from three matches.
Lakers coach, Austine Tuju, said the team aims to remain unbeaten and win the title this year. “Playing to a 1-1 draw against Strathmore, a 6-1 win over Kenyatta University last weekend, and a win today against Blazers goes to show that we mean business,” said Tuju.
In other matches over the weekend, Western Jaguars beat the United States International University-Africa 2-0 in the men’s Premier League at the City Park Hockey Stadium. Jacob Wandera and Oscar Kibet scored in the 25th and 56th minutes, respectively, to extend the Kakamega-based team’s unbeaten record to two matches. They had held defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors to a 1-1 draw last weekend.
In the men’s Super League, Mombasa Sports Club overcame Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 2-1 at City Park. Victor Gitahi put the visitors ahead in the sixth minute, but Charles Ombui levelled the score with a field goal in the 14th minute. Mariano Asoka then scored in the 33rd minute to guide MSC to victory.
Finally, Kisii Falcons beat Kitale Hockey Club 2-0 in the men’s National League at Cardinal Otunga High School. Frank Ogendi scored a brace in the 29th and 44th minutes to secure victory for Kisii Falcons.
