Wazalendo fall to Zamalek in Africa Clubs Champs opener

Kenya’s Wazalendo hockey men’s club were defeated 2-1 by Egyptian side Zamalek Wednesday as the 2021 Africa Cup for Clubs Championship got underway at the Theodosia Okoh stadium in Accra Ghana.

Zamalek scored through Ahmed Ali Metwali (8th) and Basha Maumoud Mohamed (55th), while the Kenyan side levelled the scores in 47th minute through Wycliffe Mbeda.

Wazalendo, who are drawn in pool 'B', will line up against 2018 runners up Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday in their second match of the seven day event, while Zamalek play their compatriots Tairat in the late kick off.

Wazalendo coach Ndungu Kimanzi decried the missed penalty corners conversions, saying the score line could have been different.

"Our delivery on set pieces was poor. We had like five penalty corners and we failed to reward ourselves and we were punished. Zamalek had less penalty corners but made use of them," said Kimanzi. 

"Ahead of our next match against GRA, we hope to get it right. They are tough opponents, but with the performance the players have staged against Zamalek, we hope to do better against GRA. the team is relatively young and we are just here to learn," he added.

Zamalek coach Hassan Mousa said that they didn't get time to rest after arriving in Ghana late, but welcomed the win.

"We arrived here 20 hours to the kick off. Wazalendo is a good side with good players. But I'm happy we won against them and we now have time to rest ahead of our next match," said Mousa.

Wazalendo had a slow start with Zamalek the better side in the first quarter as Metwali scored a superb field goal in the 8th minute.

The North Africans held onto the lead going into the breather. On resumption, Wazalendo began making in roads and international Danston Barasa created chances but the forwards failed to convert.

Wazalendo, who are returning to the continental scene after a14-year hiatus, dominated the third and fourth quarters and their efforst paid off when Mbeda converted in 47th minute to level the scores.

Wazalendo could have scored more goals, but Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud Mohammed pulled off good saves.

Zamalek later broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Mohammed and held on for the three points.

Wazalendo qualified for the annual event after they finished second behind champions Butali Sugar Warrior during the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union Premier League.

Butali did not confirm participation due to financial constraints. 

The competition will have new winners as Egyptian El Sharkia, who won the titles in both genders in 2019, did not confirm participation.