USIU-A Spartans off to a flying start as ACCC games begin

United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans returned to the continental stage with a bang routing their hosts El Nasr Sporting Club 3-0 as the hockey Africa Cup for Club Championships (ACCC) began on Thursday in Ismailia, Egypt.

Natasha Nyokabi, Neom Kemunto and Lynn Mwangi were all on target as Spartans, who are chasing their maiden continental trophy showed no respect for their hosts.

With Kenya having lost its ACCC dominance to their Ghanaian rivals Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Kenyan representatives have one job of salvaging the trophy and returning to Kenya.

However, Men’s Premier League champions Western Jaguars had a slow start playing to a two-all-draw with Nigeria’s Kada Stars.

Having taken the 2-0 through Bethwel Masambu and Oscar Kiptoo in the 29th and 33rd minutes, Jaguars surrendered their lead allowing Kada to score in the 43rd (Daniel Apolosjanar) and 48th (John Peter) for a 2-2 draw.  

Jaguars coach Mike Malungu said the match didn’t end the way they wanted but they remain hopeful with focus on their next Group A tie.

“We wanted to win but a few lapses saw our opponents take advantage to force a draw. Some of the umpire decisions were questionable but remain optimistic because it’s just the beginning of the competition and we have more matches to play,” Malungu said.

Friday will be an all-Kenyan affair in both the men and women’s contests.

Sikh Union will clash with USIU-A in their second Group B match. Another men’s Group B match will pit home boys Aircraft Factory Club and Zamalek while Ghana’s GRA will have a rest day.

In the men’s Group A, defending champions Sharkia Sporting Club of Egypt will launch their title defence against compatriots Port Fouad, while Niger Flickers will lock horns with their fellow countrymen Kada Stars. Western Jaguars will not be in action today.

In the women’s title race, there will be no love lost when USIU-A Spartans take on compatriots Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) in their second Group B encounter.

Spartans, who returned to the continental stage after a break, will be hoping to outclass MSC, secure their second win and enhance their chances of playing in the final.

They must be at their best and emerge on top of their pool in order to remain in title contention since group winners will play in the final while teams that finish second will battle for bronze on the last day of competition.

In Group A, 2019 champions Sharkia will entertain Uganda’s Kampala Hockey Club while Delta Queens will tackle Kada Queens.