Telkom Orange of Kenya booked their place in the ladies’ final to be played later today after beating the tournament favourites Reformers of Ghana 1-0 in a Hockey Africa Cup of Club Championships round-robin match at Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday.
Report by Vitalis Moyo Sports Reporter
The two teams clashed in a mouth-watering encounter. Reformers needed just a draw to book a place in the final, while Telkom Oranges needed nothing short of a victory, and they did just that.
Telkom Orange looked the more determined side from the onset and had a number of chances in the opening minutes to get an early lead, but failed to utilise the chances. The match was closely contested with some anxious moments in defence for the Reformers, but they stood their ground forcing the game to go to the break on a stalemate. In the second half, Telkom continued attacking the Ghanaians, but lacked composure and aggression in front of goal and squandered their opportunities to go into the lead.
However, a strike by Jackline Jow outside the 25 metre line took a deflection and ended up at the back of the net in the 55th minute to put Telkom ahead.
Telkom Orange sought to increase the lead, but were denied by the Ghanaian goal-minder who made a number of good blocks to keeping his team in the match.
In another game, Heartland Queens of Nigeria failed to qualify to the final despite winning against Strathmore University by 2-1.
The ladies’ final is likely to see Telkom Orange being joined by Customs Ladies who were due to play dumped Zimbabwean side BAC later in the day.
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In the games played late on Thursday, defending champions Sharkia of Egypt beat Golden Sticks 6-2, while Zimbabwe’s Hullets got their first point after managing a 1-1 with bottom-placed Yobe Warriors of Nigeria.
In the final today, Sharkia face Trustees while Zimbabwe’s Hippo take on the Golden sticks in the third place playoffs.
Fixtures 8:00 Ladies 3rd place play-off 9:30 Men’s third place play-off 11:00 Men’s 5th place playoffs 13:00 Ladies 5th place playoffs 15:00 Ladies final 17:30 Men’s final.
