Scenes from the Strathmore – Rangers Match
The league has entered the second leg and is projected to conclude in November paving way for the Super Cup.
Strathmore University obliterated Kimilili-based Rangers HC 33-24 in an entertaining encounter played at the Nyayo Handball Court to move their unbeaten run to eleven matches in the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men’s league.
Coming into the match, the varsity side was on a revenge mission, having lost in the last encounter against Rangers. Additionally, the Peter Mwathi-coached side was also looking to extend their unbeaten run and better their chances of fighting for the title.
Strathmore led for all but the first two minutes of the match when Rangers had taken a 2-0 lead which was soon overturned as Mwathi’s charges settled into the match.
Brian Murangiri led the varsity side’s attack in the first 15 minutes while Maxwell Munene provided leadership as the side dominated on both ends to take a six goal lead. Om Om 17 minute mark, Mwathi rested Murangiri for Rashid Ingwela who maintained the same tempo on attack with the six-goal difference maintained at half time (17-11).
Rangers allowed the difference to get to ten goals in the first ten minutes of the second half as their energy level and zeal to fight their way to another upset dwindled by the minute. They picked in the final five minutes but the on-form Strathmore were on a roll, running the scores for the win.
Philip Mumo combined with Murangiri for 11 goals, with the former top scoring for his side at six as Simon Mutuku, Ingwela and Felix Omondi made four a piece.
“We had a good game. Defensively we were good but our conversion rate needs some working on as we missed some open scoring chances that would have given us more goals for a more convincing win. We remain unbeaten and that puts a target on our back as the league continue so we will continue training hard well aware we are yet to face the top four teams in the league. We are title contenders but cannot be complacent in the remaining matches,” said Strathmore skipper Prevailer Muhani.
In the women’s league, Amazon’s skipper Sylvia Wanjiru led her side to their first victory in six matches, seeing off Kenyatta University Vampires 31-26.
The two sides were separated by two goals at 14-12 going into the half time break, Amazon having come from four goals down to surpass the students.
In the second half, the military side, Amazon, ran the scores against Vampires in the first 20 minutes but the varsity women recovered for an attempt at a comeback but it was too late.
“We played well but the officiating was not fair and it was a major undoing,” lamented Vampires’ captain.
©Mozzart Sports Ke