In a thrilling encounter at the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup, Kenya turned the tables on Trinidad and Tobago, securing an impressive seventh-place finish and relegating their opponents to eighth place.
Kenya’s Bethuel Masambu emerged as the hero of the match, scoring a hat-trick, including the decisive goal at full-time, in a 7-5 victory over the Caribbean nation.
Kenyan players Danstone Wabwire, Moses Andemba, and Ivan Ludiali also made significant contributions to their team’s triumph by adding goals to the tally. Kenya’s coach, Michael Malungu, praised his team’s resilience and spirit, stating, “This win reflects the spirit and the potential of Kenyan hockey. We’ve come a long way, and today, we’ve made our mark.”
Despite their valiant efforts, Trinidad and Tobago could not withstand the Kenyan onslaught. Their goals came courtesy of Marcano Teague and a hat-trick from Toussaint Akim, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
Ups and downs
Kenya’s journey in the tournament was marked by ups and downs. They started with a bang, defeating the powerhouse Australia 6-1. However, they faced defeats against Trinidad & Tobago and Oman. Showing remarkable resilience, Kenya bounced back with a 9-4 victory against India in the 5th-8th place match.
Kenya’s participation in the World Cup was a result of their commendable performance at the 1st Africa Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt, where they finished third.
The Kenyan squad, led by head coach Michael Malungu and supported by a dedicated team of officials, showcased their potential and determination on the global stage.
