USIU-A Spartans march on in ACCC tourney

USIU’s Rhoda Kuria in a past match. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans on Friday edged Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) 1-0 in their second Group B match of the ongoing hockey Africa Cup for Club championships (ACCC) in Ismailia Egypt.

The victory enhanced Spartans chances of finishing on top of the group and setting a final’s date with Group A winner. However, for debutants MSC, the defeat lowered their chances of contesting for the trophy. MSC, who played to a 1-1 draw against Nigeria’s Plateau queens in their event opener, have now dropped four crucial points.

Spartans coach Willis Okeyo said that so far, their strategy was working but the tough task lies ahead of them.

“Our approach coming into this competition was just to focus on a match at hand and give our best and I can say that so far, our strategy is effective. However, we have to remain focused because the work is just beginning,” Okeyo said.  

El Nasr’s hopes of reaching the final dwindled following their second Group B loss to compatriots Smouha Club. El Nasr, who lost 3-0 to Spartans in their opening tie, went down by the same margin against Smouha.  

Men’s defending champions Sharkia Sporting Club suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to compatriots Port Fouad. With group winners set to battle for the title in the final, it was not the start the record holders wished for since dropping points reduces their chances of successful defending their title. Port Fouad, who secured their second win, are two matches away from securing the top spot in Group A.

Nairobi Sikh Union began their campaign with a 4-3 win over homeboys Zamalek Club while USIU-A lost to Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 5-6 in Group B.

In the women’s title chase, defending champions GRA made their intentions to retain their title known with a resounding 4-1 win over Nigeria’s Kada Queens in their opening Group A encounter.

Delta Queens of Nigeria whipped Uganda’s Kampala Hockey Club 5-0 in another Group A tie. Kada recovered from their loss to the Ghanaians to hammer their compatriots Delta 2-0 and revive their hopes of a podium finish.