Kenya is placed in pool B of the qualifiers with Zambia, Ghana and Namibia with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria in pool A.
The Kenyan women's hockey team, the Blades are off to a bright start in the quest for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after beating Zambia 4-0 in the opening match of the qualifiers that are being held at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Unlike their male counterparts who have four appearance s, the Blades have never qualified for the prestigious event and will hope to clinch the sole ticket on offer.
Defender Flavia Mutiva put in the woman of the match performance as her brace as well as discipline in marshalling the defence saw Kenya get off to the bright start.
Mutiva twice hit the board from penalty corners delivered by Tracy Karanja early in the game underlying her resolve to see Kenya start well.
Speedy flanker Maureen Okumu and defender Lucy Wangeci added the extras in the third quarter.
Mtiva bagged the woman of the match award following the stellar show she put on the pitch.
Kenya is placed in pool B of the qualifiers with Zambia, Ghana and Namibia with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria in pool A.
While it was a good start for the ladies, the men suffered a 2-0 defeat in the hands of Egypt in their opening match.
Fidelis Kimanzi's charges managed to keep the Egyptians at bay for the better part of the game but lapses in concentration proved costly as two quick goals were scored in favour of the North Africans.
Adel Ziad and Ragab Hossameldin were on target for Egypt in the 40th and 55th minutes of the game.
The best two teams in each pool will advance to the semis with the winner in either category landing automatic tickets to the Games.
The runner up in the men's ticket will get a chance to qualify in the 2024 FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers.