Kenya’s dream of clinching gold at the Hockey5s World Cup came to a heart-wrenching end as they succumbed to hosts Oman in a thrilling quarterfinal clash, ultimately losing 5-2 in a seven-goal thriller.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Al Fazari Rashad finding the net in the 9th minute to give Oman an early lead.
However, Kenya swiftly responded as Masambu Bethuel leveled the score in the 13th minute, injecting hope into the Kenyan camp.
The momentum swung back in Oman’s favor as Barazahan Asama struck in the 16th minute, regaining the lead for the hosts. Al Shaaibi Khalid proved to be a thorn in Kenya’s side, securing a hat-trick with goals in the 9th, 20th, and 22nd minutes.
The Kenyan defense struggled to contain the relentless Omani attacks, resulting in a 5-1 deficit.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Masambu Bethuel fought valiantly for Kenya, notching another goal in the 23rd minute to provide a glimmer of hope for the trailing side. However, the clock ran out for Kenya as Oman secured the 5-2 victory, denying Kenya a spot in the coveted semi-finals.
The defeat marks the end of Kenya’s quest for gold at the Hockey5s World Cup, but the team showcased resilience and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on the global hockey stage. Kenya will play India in their fifth-place playoff encounter on Tuesday evening.
