Luanda, Angola — It was a difficult fourth day for at the ongoing , as both the men’s and women’s 5×5 teams suffered defeats to Morocco, effectively ending their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.
The women’s team lost 22-14, while the men’s side endured a heavy 92-27 defeat, both against a dominant Moroccan side.
Women’s Team Shows Promise Despite Exit
Speaking after the match at Pavilhão de Kilamba, head coach remained optimistic about the team’s future, highlighting the importance of developing a young squad.
“We didn’t do that well, but we have also picked some positives as we head back home. We have a pretty young squad that needs to be integrated with the seniors,” she said.
Kenya’s women had started their campaign on a high with a win over Liberia but went on to suffer consecutive defeats against Angola, Algeria, South Africa, and finally Morocco.
Despite a strong start in the match, Kenya faded in the second half as Morocco adjusted tactically. Key Kenyan players including top scorer Esther Asige, Christine Mutheu, and captain Beth Wanja put up a spirited fight, but Morocco’s lineup changes proved decisive.
Men’s Team Overwhelmed by Morocco
The men’s team, facing one of the tournament’s top-ranked sides, struggled to match Morocco’s intensity and execution. The 92-27 scoreline reflected Morocco’s dominance, mirroring Kenya’s earlier heavy loss to Algeria.
What Next for Kenya
The tournament in Luanda will conclude on Thursday, with winners securing qualification to the set for Ottawa, Canada this September.
Kenya had earlier participated in the 3×3 format, exiting at the semi-final stage for both men and women, missing out on qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Kenyan teams will now play classification matches for 5th and 6th place, as they look to finish the tournament on a positive note.
Looking Ahead
Led by team manager , the Kenyan contingent is expected back home on Friday, carrying valuable lessons despite the setbacks.
While the results in Luanda may not have gone their way, the focus now shifts to rebuilding, integrating young talent, and preparing for stronger performances on the continental and global stage.
