Africa Hockey Cup - Black Sticks edge out Kenya

The Ghana national Hockey male team yesterday opened the Africa Hockey Cup tournament with a 3-0 victory over Kenya to put themselves in a pole position to fight for the trophy at stake.

As if they were re-enacting the famous multi-system tactics, the Ghanaians attacked in droves and defended together, making it impossible for the Kenyans to penetrate their defence to make use of their opportunities.

The Kenyans, who had always found the Ghanaians a hard nut to crack, were the first to come close in the third minute, but they failed to make use of the penalty corner they earned. Sensing danger, the Ghanaians took charge of the game and opened the scoring through Michael Akuamoah in the sixth minute when he flicked the ball beyond goalkeeper Festus Onyango.

It was Francis Tettey who initiated the attack from the wings and after outwitting two markers, he entered the box and sneaked the ball to the path of unmarked Akuamoah who slammed in the ball to open the scoring. The goal brought out the best of Kenya, who surged forward with swift ball control and passes with Vincent Odhiambo, Allan Agesa and Maxwell Wakhura harassing the Ghanaian defence but unable to make any use of the opportunities created.

As the game wore on, Ghana became more focused in their attack and increased the scores through Elikem Akaba in the 33rd minute when he connected a penalty corner. Ten minutes later, Michael Akuamoah Boateng added his name to the scoresheet by also connecting a penalty corner.