AHF: JAC 2024 (M/W) – Kenya U21s fall to Egypt in shootouts, miss out on Junior World Cup spot

Kenya’s dream of qualifying for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on the final day of the Junior Africa Cup after a dramatic 4-2 post-match shootout loss to Egypt in the third-place playoff at the Davin Trustco Hockey Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.

The high-stakes encounter ended 2-2 in regular time after a tense and evenly balanced match that saw both sides push for a direct qualification to the World Cup. Only the top three teams from the continental event earn World Cup slots, and with South Africa and Namibia already through, Kenya had to win against Egypt to secure the final ticket.

The opening quarter was cagey, with neither side able to break the deadlock. But the action picked up in the second quarter when Egypt capitalized on a defensive error. Charles Ashihundu’s mistimed tackle allowed Ahmed Elhadi to slot the ball past Kenya’s goalkeeper Josephat Ondijo in the 23rd minute to give Egypt the lead.

Kenya pushed forward in response, with Nirmaan Mudher failing to connect with a well-weighted pass from Mathew Momanyi that could have leveled the score.

Goalkeeper Josephat Ondijo, who has been one of Kenya’s standout performers throughout the tournament, pulled off a crucial save against Bassem Mokhtar to keep the deficit at one going into halftime.

The third quarter saw increased urgency from the Kenyans, and their efforts were rewarded in the final minute of the period. Vincent Wesonga earned a penalty corner, and Mathias Gulalire’s drag flick struck the body of Egypt’s Mohamed Hosni, resulting in a penalty stroke. Ashihundu converted calmly to level the match at 1-1.

The final quarter delivered even more drama.

Gulalire had a chance to give Kenya the lead in the 51st minute but missed a penalty corner. Egypt immediately responded with a quick counterattack, and Mohab Hegab flicked past Ondijo to restore their advantage.

However, Kenya wasn’t done. Wesonga once again caused trouble in the Egyptian circle, earning another penalty corner, which resulted in a second penalty stroke. Ashihundu stepped up once more and delivered, making it 2-2 and forcing the match into a shootout.

Egypt were clinical in the shootouts, with Said Kamal, Mohamed Hassanein, Mohamed Hosni, and Bassem Mokhtar all converting their chances. For Kenya, Ashihundu and Gulalire found the net, but Momanyi missed his attempt and Brian Azeze couldn’t get past Egypt’s Mohamed Geneidy, sealing Kenya’s fate.

Source: mozzartsport.co.ke