Kenya women’s hockey team, the Blades, hope for improved all-round performance when they take on Scotland in their third match of the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Their match is planned for today at 11am Kenyan time following heavy defeats to New Zealand and Australia on Friday and Saturday respectively.

The Jackie Mwangi-coached team have vowed to work on their shortcomings in their remaining two matches.

“We precisely know what is ailing us. Poor communication between defence and goalkeeper has been the major undoing. We must also work on other aspects like short and, over-hit passes and failure to close the gaps allowing more freedom to our opponents.

“It will also be nice to score our debut goals at the Games,” said the former Kenyan International.

Despite losing Saturday’s game, Kenya posted positive statistics, enjoying a 40 per cent possession to Australia’s 60 per cent, a hugely positive sign according to Mwangi whose side found themselves behind 5-0 and 3-0 in both halves respectively.

On Saturday, the Blades posted a spirited and better performance in their second game albeit going down 8-0 to Australia.

The ladies kicked off their 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign on a low after losing 16-0 to defending champions New Zealand in their opening match played at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre on Friday morning.

Kenya marked a poor debut at the Birmingham games trailing 9-0 at the break before conceding seven more goals in the final half.

Other than the defending champions, New Zealand and the 2014 champions Australia, Kenya are in Group B alongside Scotland and South Africa.

Kenya will complete their group matches with a clash against African giants South Africa on August 2 (4pm).

The top two teams in each pool qualify for the semi-final.