Tough opening day for Hockey5s team
THE NATIONAL men’s Hockey5s World Cup team suffered a 10-2 loss against Egypt in their first-ever game at the tournament yesterday in Muscat, Oman.
However, the Duvaughn Henlon-coached team had a more respectable showing in their 6-4 loss to Switzerland in their second match late yesterday.
Despite the results, Henlon thought the team was competitive and was proud of their display on the day.
“The team played well. They were very competitive and I am proud of their performance,” he told The Gleaner.
“The lack of match practice and a bit of nerves from the young players showed in our 10-2 defeat to Egypt; however, it was a solid attempt from the men.
“We rallied against Switzerland as the team grew in confidence, and put in a hard fight. However, we narrowly lost 6-4 in the end.”
After two rounds of matches, Egypt lead Pool B with maximum six points, followed by India and Switzerland on three points, with Jamaica at the foot of the table, still to get off the mark.
Henlon said the team remains positive, and the players are prepared to give their all to get a maiden World Cup victory when the face India in their last group game today.
“The team is in high spirits. They are growing in confidence, loving the atmosphere and continue to push for their first win at their first ever World Cup.
“They (India) lost to Egypt as well and we are prepared to fight for our first win,” he said.
In the opening game against Egypt, Nasar Mohamed fired the Africans into the lead after four minutes, but Kevon Reid equalised seconds later to make it 1-1.
However, goals from Edris Mohamed (11th), Atef Karim (14th), Ragab Hossameldin (14th and 15th) put the Egyptians 5-1 up at the interval.
In the second half, goals from Sayed Amr (17th), Elganaini Ahmed (18th) and Hossameldin put Egypt 8-1 up before Shemar Gordon made it 8-2 in the 22nd minute.
However, Edris Mohamed and Ahmed added two more to seal Egypt’s win.
In the second match against the Swiss, Jamaica fell behind early through goals from Wysschodat Gaĕl (5th) and Brőnnimann Elias (7th), but like they did in the first game, drew level on a brace from Reid (9th and 10th) to go in 2-2 at the break.
However, a further three goals from Gaĕl (19th, 24th and 27th) and another from Elias (23rd) gave the Europeans the win, despite goals from Kemar Mitchell (25th) and Gordon (30th). Henlon had high praise for Reid. “It should be noted that he created history by scoring Jamaica’s first goal at an FIH World Cup event. Kevon Reid now has three goals thus far, and he is looking forward to the rest of the tournament,” he said.
President of the Jamaica Hockey Federation Fabian Stewart was also proud of the team’s efforts.
“We were all disappointed in the outcome of the first match. The boys were in it for some time and it gave me hope, but we were obviously quite nervous and a bit unsettled.
“Our performance i n the second game against Switzerland confirmed Jamaica belong at this World Cup. We had a much better and competitive showing. I am proud of their resilience and genuine effort,” he commented.