The national handball team's ambitions of reaching the semi-finals received a major blow after falling to DR Congo 46-31 in their third match of the Africa Games at Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana.
DR Congo were in a class of their own from the whistle as Kenyans struggled to keep pace.
Coach Peter Mwathi admitted the match was difficult contrary to their expectations. “ Our opponents were in a class of their own and I am happy we gave our best,” he said
He said they are now focusing on the fifth/sixth play-off match against Mali and he is hopeful of finishing in the top five.
He said considering it was Congo’s last match in the preliminary round, he was not surprised with their calibre of play.
“As I said earlier, most of the DR Congo players play in France and they are more experienced than Kenyans. My team only has two experienced players while the rest are making their debut,” he noted.
He noted: “Only Rashid Ngwela and goalkeeper Victor Otuoma have played at this level. The rest are rookies and this is their first international tournament,” he noted.
He, however, said with the experience gained he expects the boys to perform well in the near future.
