Kenya one win away from Bangabandhu Kabaddi Cup Semifinals

Kenya is one match away from qualifying for the semifinals in the fourth edition of the Bangabandhu Kabaddi Cup 2024 in Mirpur, Bangladesh.

Kenya who were runners up in both the 2021-22 editions have won all their opening three group fixtures in the tournament being played at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.

Kenya is in Group B alongside Iraq, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Japan while hosts Bangladesh, also the defending champions are in Group A joined by Nepal, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Kenya win the opening rounds

In the first round of group matches, Kenya opened their tournament card with a 58-26 win over Sri Lanka, Iraq saw off Japan 50-40 while Thailand beat Uganda 48-29.

Uganda would then lose their second group match, falling 40- 31 to Iraq while Kenya picked their second win with a convincing 42-29 score against Japan. Thailand also beat Sri Lanka 51-17 to pick their second win in Group B fixtures.

Kenya carried their perfect record into the third round, closely seeing off Iraq 50-47 as Sri Lanka piled on Uganda’s misery with a 38-25 win. 

Uganda out of title contention

Uganda’s three losses mean they crash out of title contention, with two teams from each group set to advance into the semifinals.

The remaining round three group B matches will see Japan face Thailand as Iraq takes on Sri Lanka on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Kenya’s next match will come against Thailand who are unbeaten ahead of their third round action against Japan. A win against Thailand will secure Kenya a semifinal berth with a match left to play.

The last group matches will play out on Saturday, June 1, with Kenya closing their preliminary rounds with a match against Uganda.

Kenyan team

S.W.Wafala, Geoffrey Njuguma, Tobius Murithi, H.W.Shimiyu, Daniel Odhiambo, James Kamweti, Nguguna Mburo, Hosea Muthee, David Mosambayi, Rayan Naville, Johan Karugam

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