Contrasting fortunes for national teams in Jamhuri tourney

The national women hockey team Saturday got off to a good start in the MCHA Daikyo Japan Motors Republic Hockey Championship when they registered victories in their first two matches at Mombasa Sports Club.

They started their campaign by beating Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) Ladies 2-0 at home, Aurelia Atieno scoring in the eighth minute and Maureen Okumu in the 22nd minute.

In their second match, the KWXV edged The Swans 3-0 with Rhoda Auira scoring in the seventh minute, Aurelia Atieno in the 28th minute and Gilly Okumu in the 29th minute. It was Atieno’s second goal, having scored her first against MSC Ladies. 

But the men's national team started badly, going down 1-0 to Underdogs. The Underdogs match winner arrived in the 17th minute through Timothy Juma.

Kenya Police, who are among top contenders for the crown , made a remarkable start when they beat Mombasa West - who draw most of their players from St Charles Lwanga School of Changamwe - 2-0.

Brian Saina and Govan Mbeki scored Police's goals in the third and 21st minutes respectively.

Parkroad also secured a 1-0 win over Tuskforce while a clash involving Green Sharks and Mvita XV ended in a barren draw.

In other matches, Western Jaguars from Kakamega secured a 2-0 win over Mombasa Sports Club men team while Amira Sailors lost 3-0 to the Blazers.

The competition is sponsored by Daikyo Japan Motors which has also a team Daikyo Heroes taking part in the tournament.

The national teams are taking part in the tournament as part of preparations for Africa Cup of Nations due next month in Ghana.