Kenya tame Nigeria but its too little too late

The national men hockey team registered their first win in the African Cup of Nations edging out Nigeria 2-1 in a match played on Wednesday at Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.

The West Africans took an early lead through John Michael in the seventh minute before Strathmore University forward Onyango Festus equalized in the 43rd minute and later Butali back Wakhura Constant scored the winning goal with four minutes to time.

Kenya coach Meshack Senge made three changes to the squad that lost 4-1 to hosts Egypt in their second match on Monday, with Francis Kariuki, Richard Birir, Danstone Wabwir replacing the trio of Oungo Samuel, Barkibir Amos and Esikuri Francis.

The win leaves Kenya in position four on three points in the grid, while Nigeria trails at the bottom, having lost all their last three matches.

Kenya had lost their opening two games, falling 3-0 to Ghana in the opening match before suffering a 4-1humiliation in the hands of hosts Egypt. They will now face defending champions South Africa on Saturday which will also be their last match in the continental championships which end on Sunday.

Line ups

Kenya

Kariuki Francis, Iningu Allan, Wakhungu Maxwell, Wakhura Constant, Birir Richard, Mutira George, Munialo Kennedy, Kipkemboi Linus, Okeyo Willis, Odhiambo Vincent, Wabwire Danstone

Nigeria

Awasa Simon, Bala Shamsudeen,Afonja Femi , John Michael, Victor Kish, Bello Muiz, Mu’azu Shanwilu,  Ogunruku Sunday, Fowobaje Oluwatosin, Faluyi Victor, Almustapha Sani