Lakers fall short as Butali Claim Bronze in Africa Hockey
Lakers Women's hockey club defied all odds to finish fourth at the Africa Cup for Club Champions tournament that ended on Sunday at the Nairobi Sikh Union Club.
Lakers, who played to a barren draw in their last group match against Delta Queens, had a chance of winning the tournament before kick off but the Nigerians proved a hard nut to crack in what was an entertaining fixture played on Sunday morning.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) were declared champions during the closing ceremony as they topped with thirteen points and twelve goals. Ghana’s Army finished 1st runners-up due to an inferior goal difference.
Ghana Army rallied from a goal down to beat Blazers of Kenya 3-2 in the final group stage game to finish second while Delta Queens settled for bronze after gathering eleven points.
The men's title went to the North as Sharkia outpowered Ghana's Exchequer 4-2 in the final. Amad Khan scored a brace with Zehnom Abdalla and captain Hossam Gobra scoring as Sharkia ran riot at the Sikh Union.
Kenya's Butali Sugar scopped bronze after overpowering Police Machine 3-2 in the playoff. The Kenyan champions Butali had a dream start into the game as Rana Suhail sounded the board from a short corner.
Police responded in the 37th minute through Sunday Orinya.
The visitors took the lead in the 46th minute through Henry Jayeoba but Butali responded through Calvins Kanu before Festus Onyango sealed it for the homeboys.
Butali skipper Constant Wakhura could not contain his joy after the game.
"We have left everything on the pitch. We worked hard and never stopped believing even when we were a goal down," he said.