NAIROBI, October 23 – Telkom Kenya continued with their impressive performances at the ongoing Africa Club Cup Championships in Abuja with a 2-0 win over Heartland of Nigeria an exciting match played on Wednesday night.
The team went into the offensive early in the game with Betty Tioni scoring the opener in the third minute before Judith Apiyo added the second goal in the 24th minute.
The absence of Jacqueline Ogot and Jackie Otieno due with injuries did not affect the victors who remain firmly at the top of the pool and thus knocking the Nigerian team out of the competition.
Coach Joseph Openda praised the team for their positive play and leadership given by team captain Josephine Ataro who has been outstanding between the posts.
The coach conveyed his satisfaction with the refereeing handled by the Egyptians which he termed as fair and neutral unlike in the previous matches that witnessed unfair play and blatant irregularities in officiating.
Openda expressed optimism that the team will bring the cup back home at the end of the tournament and reclaim the trophy they last held in 2006.
“We are going to bring home the trophy since the players are playing with focus. We are improving as the competition goes on and the best is yet to come,” he stated.
Telkom will now face Egypt’s Sharkia in yet another crucial tie on Friday in their last round robin match before the tournament enters the play-offs on Saturday.
The coach could make some changes in the line-up based on observations made from the team’s performances in the competition so far.
Telkom has collected 11 points and maintained an unbeaten run in the tournament following barren draws against Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens and Ghana’s CEEPS Club, 2-1 win against compatriots Blue Eaglets and 1-0 victory against Reformers of Ghana.
On the other hand Blue Eaglets lost 2-0 to CEPS Club of Ghana in their final game of the tourney played Tuesday while Sharkia went onto record a 3-1 win against Heartland.
Blue Eaglets who are out of the contest have failed to pick up a point in the tournament the play offs after crashing 8-1 to Sharkia, losing 2-1 to rivals Telkom,6-0 thrashing by Heartland Dessert Queens and 4-1 thumping by Bayelsa.
The winners of the championships will represent Africa in the World Club Championships to be held in Spain, Barcelona next year in January that will also see four European champion clubs will be expected for the showdown.
About The Author
