General Service Unit handed Equity Bank their first defeat of the season with a well-taken 32-31 triumph in a Kenya Handball League clash played at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
This nip-and-tuck game, watched by a good crowd, lived up to expectations as the paramilitary side led 17-14 at halftime.
After intermission, this explosive tie was locked eight times with GSU breaking away from a 30-30 deadlock with 30 seconds to play to carry the day.
“We have been training the whole week for this result. It was a tough game but we were prepared,” said GSU coach Joshua Okemwa. “This result has given us a good chance. We are hopeful and will fight until the end.”
Fenwick Opicho led GSU with eight goals as Paul Ondara and Christopher Mayiende hit six each. Brian Kithinji had seven and Simon Mutuki six for the bankers.
Equity coach Peter Mwathi said: “My boys just locked. They refused to do the necessary things and seemed scared of losing.”
Randy Ochieng continued his scoring form, nailing 12 goals as the Buccaneers beat Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Jkuat 33-26.
Mark Khiyanga and Kyra Mwathi hit six each for Jkuat, who were down 14-10 at halftime.
Women’s champions Nairobi Water Queens pulled away from Amazon in the last half to win 33-22. Gladys Chilo grabbed eight goals and Melvin Akinyi had six.
The losers, down 15-11 at halftime, had a game-high 12 goals from Nancy Owenga. Mountain Queens beat Jkuat 20-18 in another game while Sarah Wasike grabbed nine goals and Dorothy Machuma had six as Ulinzi Sharks drubbed Amazon 33-6. They were up 11-3 at the break.
Kevin Imo grabbed 10 goals as he guided leaders Ulinzi to a 41-17 win against Jkuat.
National Youth Service (NYS) maintained a two-goal half-time cushion as they pipped Jkuat 32-30.
Nanyuki beat Engineers 32-29 and Black Mamba and Desert Scorpions were deadlocked 39-39.
In the women’s matches, NYS had their best showing as they overcame Jkuat 33-22, who lost 30-23 to Amazon.
