Africa-Press – Kenya. Western Jaguars coach Mike Malungu said poor finishing proved costly to his side following their 2-2 draw with Butali Warriors in the men’s hockey Premier League match in Kakamega on May 6.
Jaguars, playing in their first match of the season, scored their goals via Derrick Juma’s brace. Juma opened his account for the season by finding the back of the net in the fourth minute to give Jaguars a deserved lead.
Butali, who managed a 1-1 draw with Wazalendo in their last league clash, restored parity in the 12th minute through George Mutira.
Calvins Kanu made it 2-1 for the sugar millers as he scored in the 36th minute of the third quarter. Juma salvaged a point for the Kakamega-based side, scoring at the stroke of the third quarter stoppage time.
Malungu said his charges have a long way to go before hitting peak condition.
Lack of coordination was a hindrance to the team displaying their free-flowing game according to the gaffer who doubles up as the national under-21 men’s coach.
“It was two points dropped going by the chances we created,” Malungu told Star Digital.
“It is a game we should have won. Our efficiency in the final third is wanting. In terms of fitness, the players look a bit rusty because of lack of game time this being the season opener for us. We could not implement our style,” he added.
Malungu challenged the team to build on the positive start.
“It is a precious point but we have to garner maximum points in our next league match. We have to avoid conceding cheap goals like we did today (Saturday)”.
Butali team manager Victor Opere urged his charges to quickly shift focus on the United States International University USIU-A Mashujaa match in three weeks’ time.
“It was a balanced match played by two very good teams. The league is competitive but we have to plan for the Mashujaa match three weeks from now,” Opere said.
In the men’s Super League, the University of Eldoret UOE came from behind to thump Nakuru 3-1.
Jacob Githinji gave Nakuru a 13th-minute lead before Emmanuel Wekesa and John Olango scored two quick goals in the 17th and 19th minute respectively to give the Uasin Gishu side a 2-1 halftime lead.
Lennor Odhiambo sealed the victory eight minutes from time.
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