Kenya men hockey team kicked off their Hockey 5s World Cup campaign with an impressive 6-1 victory over New Zealand on Sunday at the Hockey Oman Venue in Muscat.
Michael Malungu’s coached side demonstrated their prowess on the field, securing a comfortable lead of 3-1 at halftime.
Kenya wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Danstone Wambwire scoring in the opening minute of the match.
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The momentum continued to build as Ivan Ludiali netted the team’s second goal in the sixth minute. Shelton Kimutai extended the lead to 4-0 in the eighth minute before New Zealand managed to pull one goal back just a minute later.
As the game entered its second half, Moses Andemba added to Kenya’s tally, making it 4-1 in the 22nd minute. The team’s relentless spirit and determination were evident as Richard Wanganga and Moses Ademba contributed two more goals, sealing a resounding 6-1 victory.
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Saddened was the fact that they were a different team in their next match as they lost 7-2 to Trinidad and Tobago.
Hat trick champion Mercano Teague put the Carribeans in front in the second minute before Ludiali equalized a minute later. A minute later, Trinidad and Tobago regained their lead courtesy of Pierre Mickell before Jordan Vierra added another to make it 3-1 at halftime.
Mickell balled the second in 25th minute before Moses Loice corner goal a minute later reduced parity for the Kenyans. It proved to be short-lived as Teague soon scored to make it 5-2 before Marcano Tariq added another. He completed his hattrick at the death as Kenya team conceded to leave themselves second in pool C.
They will wrap up their group stage matches with a highly anticipated showdown against Australia on Monday afternoon.
Hockey 5s, a shorter and more dynamic version of the traditional game, features five players on each team, encouraging fast-paced action and strategic gameplay.
Kenya’s qualification for this quadrennial event came on the back of their impressive third-place finish at the Africa qualifiers in December 2022, where they defeated Zambia 5-2.
The Kenyan team is under the guidance of experienced coach Michael Malungu, with Kevin Lugalia providing valuable assistance.
Their roster boasts seasoned players who have proudly represented the country in numerous international tournaments, including stars like Ivan Ludiali, Moses Muigai, and Moses Ademba.
