Hosts Kenya made the resounding start to their quest for a place at the inaugural International Hockey Federation (FIH) Youth Hockey5s World Cup after thumping South Africa 8-5 in an exciting opening match of the Africa Youth Hockey5s Cup at Dashmesh Stadium, Sikh Union Club, Nairobi, on Thursday.
Inspired by a hat-trick from captain Kelvin Onyango and a dominant attacking display, the Kenyan Under-18 boys recovered from falling behind twice before overwhelming one of the tournament favourites to collect crucial maximum points from the fixture in the August 6-8 championship, where the top two teams qualify for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
South Africa struck first in the fifth minute when Carolus Jay-Dee beat the Kenyan defence with a skilful dribble to make it 1-0. Kenya responded almost immediately after earning a penalty corner, with Onyango rifling home the equaliser in the sixth minute.
The visitors restored their lead seconds later through Milan Stipcevich, whose close-range effort made it 2-1, but goalkeeper Carl Okoth kept Kenya in the contest with a brilliant save before South African custodian Ulrich Reingruber denied the hosts from another corner.
Kenya levelled again in the ninth minute through Onyango's thunderous long-range strike before taking complete control of the contest. Caleb Korir handed the hosts their first lead at 3-2 in the 12th minute before Okoth produced another crucial save from a South African penalty.
Meshack Reagan then extended the advantage with a well-taken backhand finish as Kenya carried a deserved 4-2 lead into the halftime break after dominating possession and creating the better chances.
The hosts maintained their aggressive approach after the restart despite surviving an early defensive scare from a misplaced pass. Daniel Omondi increased the lead to 5-2 in the 20th minute, although Pongwana Ndyebo responded immediately for South Africa to reduce the deficit to 5-3.
Korir grabbed his second goal to make it 6-3 before substitute goalkeeper Jack Owino replaced Okoth. Reagan added his second with a looping finish before Onyango completed his hat-trick in the 24th minute to stretch Kenya's advantage to 8-3.
South Africa scored twice late on through Candy Blaine, who converted after Owino's initial save before adding a backhand effort with 20 seconds remaining, but the late goals did little to dampen the celebrations as Kenya sealed an emphatic 8-5 victory.
In post-match interview, coach Kevin Lugalia praised his players' determination against a seasoned South African side.
"It was a tough fixture because South Africa are used to this format, but the boys wanted the win more. They followed instructions, maintained their structure and deserved the victory. Three points bring us closer to the final and our dream of qualifying for the World Cup," said Lugalia.
Captain Onyango credited the team's preparations for the impressive display.
"It was a tough game, but we could not let all the hard work from our coaches go to waste. We were fighting for the Kenya badge, and every match demands total commitment," he noted.
Head coach Griffin Okombe welcomed the result, but urged his players to remain grounded.
"We did not start the way we wanted, but the boys found their rhythm. We will continue taking it one game at a time. If people see us as favourites after this, so be it, but our focus is on preparing well for every match," he said.
The opening day's action was witnessed by Africa Hockey Federation president Seif Ahmed of Egypt and vice-president Nii Quaye-Kumah.
Kenya is also represented in the girls' competition, with both national teams targeting a top-two finish that would secure Africa's qualification slots for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. The tournament concludes on Saturday.
