Tanzania faces uphill battle to retain EACAACT title
KENYA: DEFENDING champions Tanzania face an uphill task to retain their East and Central Africa All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT) crown at the picturesque Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha, Kenya.
After a promising opening day, the Tanzanian ladies returned a team score of 155, identical to their first-round tally.
Their two-day total of 310 (+26) leaves them 18 shots adrift of the hosts and current leaders, Kenya, who top the seven-nation leaderboard with a commanding 292 (+8). La Réunion sit second on 298 (+14), while Uganda and Zambia are tied for fourth at 326 (+42). Rwanda follows with 342 (+58), and Madagascar close out the standings at 363 (+79).
Tanzania’s captain and top performer, Neema Olomi, remains in individual contention despite a challenging second round of 76 (+5).
Her two-day aggregate of 148 (+6) puts her in a tie for third with Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi, eight strokes behind the leader, Melliyal Schmitt of La Réunion, who impressed with rounds of 71 and 69 for a 140 (-2) total.
National junior player Shufaa Twalib recovered from an 85 difficult opening day to return a counting score of 79 gross yesterday, while Vicky Elias improved to 80 gross after an 83 in the first round, though her score did not count this time, as only the two best scores per round contribute to the team total.
On home soil, Kenya continued their strong showing, led by Joyce Wanjiru, who carded a steady 71 (Par) to sit second individually on 144 (+2). Teammates Muthomi and Mercy Nyanchama also delivered consistent rounds, keeping Kenya comfortably ahead after two days.
Managed by Yasmin Chali, the honorary secretary of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), the Tanzanian team remains optimistic despite the deficit.
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The players are determined to finish strong and uphold their reputation as the region’s reigning champions, having lifted the trophy at the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, under the leadership of Hawa Wanyeche and featuring stalwart Madina Iddi.
With one round remaining, the pressure is on Tanzania to produce a remarkable final-day comeback if they are to keep their crown.
