Kenya edges Zambia in playoff to secure Hockey5s World Cup ticket

The national men’s five-a-side hockey team has qualified for the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup that will be held in Oman.

The Kenyans defeated Zambia 5-2 during the bronze medal playoff of the first ever African qualifiers of its kind held in Ismailia, Egypt.

Bathuel Masambu scored a brace for Kenya with skipper Ivan Ludiali, Danstone Wabwire and Brian Ogenche adding one each. Katele Shadrick and Bwalva Gift got the consolation goals for Zambia.

The result saw Kenya secure the third World Cup slot for the African continent, joining the tournament champions Egypt and Nigeria who were runners-up.

Namibia won gold in the women’s competition, and along with Zambia and South Africa, qualified for the inaugural global championship.

Kenya women, Blades, did not advance to medal matches after finishing bottom of the standings.

African Hockey Federation (AfHF) had selected six nations; hosts Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria and Namibia for the qualifying games.

This inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup will set up a pinnacle tournament in the Hockey5s format that will run as a quadrennial event.

Apart from the hosts Oman, there will be 3 teams each from Africa, Asia, Europe, Pan America and Oceania.