Kenya Police, national women win Jamhuri hockey tourney

National women's hockey team emerged the winners of the MCHA Daikyo Japan Motors Jamhuri  tournament after beating the Blazers 2-1 on penalty flicks in the final match at Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday. 

The sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of  normal time. Kenya Police defended their men's crown after also requiring penalty flicks to beat Western Jaguar 2-1 after they settled for a barren draw in normal time.

Jaguars had eliminated the national men's team 2-0 in the semis.

In a thrilling women's final clash, it was Blazers who took the lead in the sixth minute through captain Terry Juma, but the national ladies fought back to get an equaliser in the 21st minute via Alice Awiti. 

During penalty shootout, the national outfit scored through Alice Awiti and Gilly Okumu, but Rhoda Kuira missed as Blazers got their goal through Terry Juma, with Maureen Owiti and Barbra Simiyu missing. 

In the semi finals, the national side beat Amira Sailors 2-0 with goals scored by Alice Awiti and Rhoda Kuira with Blazers knocked out MSC Ladies 2-1.

Kenya coach Jackie Mwangi congratulated her players for not losing a single match during the tournament and said they are preparing to rectify some few minor mistakes before heading to Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations in Accra set for January 17-23, 2022.

"I’m confident the squad will continue to thrive and we are looking forward to do well in the continental event," said Mwangi.

In the men's final, Police scored through Govan Mbeki and Samson Kibirir, while Jaguars got their consolation via Emmanuel Wiswa. 

Kenya Police beat Green Sharks 2-0 enroute to the final through goals by Brian Saina in the fifth minute and Oliver Echesa in the ninth minute.