Team Kenya at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Cup in Muscat, Oman photo: courtesy
Bethuel Masambu scored a hat trick to help Kenya beat Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) 7-5 to finish seventh during the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Cup in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday.
Kenya had on Thursday evening lost to Oman 5-2 in the quarterfinal before they fell at the hands of India 9-4 in the classification matches of position 5-8.
It was a sweet revenge for the East Africans who came from behind to beat TTO who had beaten them 7-2 in the group stage
Masambu scored in the 6th, 19th and 30th minutes as Moses Ademba bagged a brace in the 10th and 24th minutes.
Captain Ivan Ludiali and Danstone Wabwire each sounded the boards once for the team that is coached by Michael Malungu who also coaches Kenya Hockey Premier League side, Western Jaguars.
Toussant Akim (11th, 12th and 24th) and Marcano Teague (2nd, 27th) scored for TTO.
Malungu lauded the team saying, “It’s a milestone that we won some matches at this stage and even to reach the last eight means a lot to these players. We hope to build on this and hopefully that we will get the chance to compete in the upcoming events. It’s through such competitions that the players get experience and exposure,”
In the other results, Pakistan beat Switzerland 10-1 to finish ninth as Australia overwhelmed New Zealand 6-4 to finish 11th.
United States of America held their nerves to defeat Nigeria 10-9 to settle for a 13th place.
Jamaica finished last after they lost to Fiji 4-2.
Later in the day, India will face off with Egypt for position 5 and 6, as Oman and Poland battle for bronze medal.
Malaysia and Netherlands will square it off in the final.
