Kenya’s U21 hockey men’s team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zambia at the ongoing 2024 Junior Africa Cup in Windhoek, Namibia, boosting their hopes of reaching the classification matches, and potentially qualifying for the Junior World Cup.

Meanwhile, the women’s team was left frustrated after conceding a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 against Zambia, a result that puts a dent in their qualification ambitions. The Kenyan boys came into the fixture needing a win to stay on track in the tightly contested tournament and responded with a spirited performance.

They dominated the early proceedings, creating several goal-scoring opportunities. Isaac Wanjawa missed a clear chance in the seventh minute, while Josephat Ondijo stood strong in goal to deny Zambia’s Enock Kaluba in the 10th minute.

Kenya’s attacking threat continued, with Fredrick Ochieng and Charles Ashihundu both testing Zambia’s goalkeeper Robson Kunda in a sequence of set-pieces and rebounds. However, despite dominating the first quarter, the score remained goalless.

Zambia stunned Kenya in the 22nd minute against the run of play. A quick build-up caught the Kenyan defence off-guard, and although Ondijo saved Isaac Mutale’s effort, Abraham Tagwirey pounced on the rebound to slot home and give Zambia the lead.

Kenya replied with purpose, and moments later, their persistence paid off. After Matthias Gulalaire goal-bound strike was denied following a fine setup from Vincent Wesonga, the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. Ashihundu stepped up and calmly converted to level the match.

Ondijo continued to be a pillar in goal, producing a brilliant double save in the 42nd minute from a penalty corner situation. In the 43rd minute, Kenya earned a penalty corner of their own, and Gulalaire made no mistake, scoring a low drag flick to make it 2-1. The boys pressed for a third goal, with Paul Odero coming close in the final moments after a neat aerial pass from Victor Sam, but Kunda denied him to keep the scoreline respectable for Zambia.

The win sees Kenya’s men climb to five points from four matches, putting them in contention for a classification slot and keeping their World Cup hopes alive. The Kenyan women’s side were left ruing missed chances after allowing Zambia to snatch a late equalizer, a result that could prove costly in their quest for a top-four finish.

Kenya had the better chances in the match and went ahead in the 26th minute through Brenda Mwagandi, who capitalized on Zambia’s defensive lapse to give her side a deserved lead. Despite dominating play and creating multiple scoring opportunities, Kenya failed to add to their tally.

That inefficiency in front of goal proved costly in the dying moments of the match when Millicent Abukuse committed a foul on Memory Chaya, resulting in a penalty corner. Christine Kaluba stepped up and converted for Zambia to level the match in dramatic fashion.

The draw leaves the Kenyan women with just two points from four matches and needing a win in their final group stage match to have a chance of progressing. The final round of preliminary matches will take place on Thursday, 24 April, at the Davin Trustco Hockey Stadium.

Kenya’s Current Standings

Men: 4th position, 5 points from 4 matches

Women: 4th position, 2 points from 4 matches

Final Preliminary Matches

April 24, 2025

Men: 20:00 – South Africa vs Kenya

Women: 14:00 – Kenya vs Zimbabwe

Source: mozzartsport.co.ke