Mixed results for Kenyan teams in Egypt as Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round conclude
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 17.10.25. | 17:57
The Kenyan men had their turning point when coach Michael Malungu made early changes
The Kenya women’s national hockey team missed out on a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after falling 5–2 to Ghana in their last preliminary round-robin match on Friday in Ismailia, Egypt.
Despite taking a 2–1 lead midway through the second quarter, Kenya failed to hold their advantage as Ghana mounted a spirited comeback, scoring three goals in four minutes to secure victory and book their place in the final against South Africa.
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Ghana made their intent clear early on, opening the scoring in the sixth minute through Jennifer Konadu, who converted a field goal.
Kenya responded swiftly, with Grace Bwire leveling the scores just two minutes later.
In the 23rd minute, Eleanor Chebet fired Kenya ahead with a well-taken field goal to make it 2–1, but Ghana hit back with relentless pressure in the second half.
Konadu equalized in the 34th minute, before Adwoa Amoah restored Ghana’s lead two minutes later through a penalty stroke.
Konadu then completed her hat-trick in the 38th minute, while Vivian Narkuor sealed the win with Ghana’s fifth goal in the 48th minute.
Kenya only needed a draw to qualify for the final but were undone by defensive lapses and Ghana’s quick succession of goals that shifted the momentum.
The defeat means Kenya finish third in the standings, behind South Africa and Ghana, and will now face Nigeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. EAT.
In the men’s contest, Kenya produced a spirited comeback to beat Zambia 3–2, finishing their preliminary round on a high.
Zambia raced to a 2–0 lead within the first 12 minutes, with Abraham Tagwireyi and Alfred Mpande finding the net past Kenyan goalkeeper Samuel Silong.
Head coach Michael Malungu made a tactical switch at the start of the second quarter, introducing Joshua Omondi in goal — a move that sparked Kenya’s revival.
Ivan Ludiali pulled one back for Kenya in the 22nd minute, followed a minute later by Linton Nayombe, who leveled the scores with a well-taken field goal.
Zambia missed a chance to reclaim the lead when Mpande failed to convert a penalty stroke at the half-hour mark.
Kenya completed their turnaround early in the fourth quarter, with Cliffe Omari scoring the winner to seal a 3–2 victory.
The result capped off their campaign with two wins from five matches.
Summary of Results
Women: Kenya 2–5 Ghana
Men: Kenya 3–2 Zambia
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