Mixed fortunes for Kenya as Junior Africa Cup gets underway in Windhoek

Kenya's campaign at the 2024 Junior Africa Cup got off to a mixed start on Friday, 18 April with the men’s team holding Zimbabwe to a goalless draw while the women’s side suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to hosts Namibia.

The men's encounter at the WHS Davin Trustco Astro was a tight contest with both teams evenly matched throughout the four quarters. Despite several goal-scoring opportunities, Kenya could not find a way past the Zimbabwean defense.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Former Kabras RFC captain opens up on Canadian venture

It was, however, a tough outing for the Kenya women’s team, who struggled to cope with a fast-paced Namibian side.

Semedo Tisha opened the scoring and later doubled her tally before Maryke Kruger sealed the 3-0 win for the hosts. The loss puts Kenya in a difficult spot early in the tournament as they prepare to face Uganda tomorrow.

In other matches, South Africa women were handed a walkover victory after Uganda failed to show up for their opening match due to a flight delay. Zimbabwe women produced the day’s most emphatic performance, hammering Zambia 8-1 in a one-sided affair.

In the men’s category, Namibia opened their account in style with a 3-1 win over Egypt, laying down an early marker as potential title contenders.

From Changamwe to National Stage: The Rise of Mombasa West Hockey Club

Day 1 Results – Friday, 18 April 2025

Women

South Africa vs Uganda – W/O South Africa

Zimbabwe 8–1 Zambia

Kenya 0–3 Namibia

Men

Zimbabwe 0–0 Kenya

Egypt 1–3 Namibia

South Africa vs Zambia

Day 2 Fixtures – Saturday, 19 April 2025

Women

10:00 – South Africa vs Zambia

16:00 – Zimbabwe vs Namibia

20:00 – Uganda vs Kenya

Men

12:00 – Zambia vs Zimbabwe

14:00 – Egypt vs Kenya

16:00 – South Africa vs Namibia