Okumu’s field goal in the 42nd minute separated the two sides despite defender Terry Juma’s missed penalty flick in the 37th minute.
Maureen Okumu was on target for the only goal as Blazers outclassed Kenya Hockey Union Champions Strathmore University Scorpions 1-0 during the ongoing Africa Cup of Champions match played at the City Park in Nairobi on Tuesday morning.
Okumu’s field goal in the 42nd minute separated the two sides despite defender Terry Juma’s missed penalty flick in the 37th minute.
Speaking shortly after the match, Strathmore head coach Meshack Senge admitted that his side did not turn up for the game and that Blazers deserved maximum points, “We were outdone mentally and going forward we need to have urgency that we lacked in this match. This is our first match and there is no need to panic since all is not lost. We hope to improve in the remaining matches,” said Senge.
Senge’s counterpart Jos Openda said the former champions who were beaten by Scorpions to the Premier League title are finally finding the rhythm and the win over their bitter rivals meant a-lot.
“The win against Strathmore is confirmation that we are back. We were down but absolutely not out . It has silenced naysayers. A 1-1 draw against Lakers and a win against local champions is not bad. We remain hopeful of a better ending ,” said Openda.
Blazers have a rest day on Wednesday while Scorpions will play Kada Queens from Nigeria before Lakers play Ghana Army from Ghana.
The women’s event is being played on round robin format after it attracted seven teams.
The men’s event is grouped in two pools and the winners in each group at the end of
preliminary matches will play in the finals while the runners up will play in the third-play offs on Sunday.