The Kenya national women's hockey team has been knocked out of the 2024 Olympics in Paris after losing 1-0 to Nigeria in the Africa hockey qualifiers in South Africa.
The women's team was vying for a spot in their first Olympic Games appearance.
Johnson Benedicta's goal in the third minute was enough to send Kenya to their first tournament defeat and eliminate them from Sunday's finals.
Kenya's captain, Lynne Kipsang, bemoaned wasted opportunities as Kenya dominated possession but failed to threaten Nigeria's goal.
"I'd like to congratulate Nigeria on their victory." My team had bad luck, but we survived to fight another day. I believe we had numerous opportunities but did not capitalize on them. "The early goal from Nigeria was a huge blow for us," Kipsang stated.
Kenya showed strong in the continental showpiece, going undefeated in the group rounds and topping pool B with victories over Zambia, Ghana, and Namibia.
Kenya will now compete for a bronze medal against the loser of the semi-final match between hosts South Africa and Ghana.
