Hockey: Kenya to renew rivalry with South Africa in Africa Cup of Nations

Kenya's Douglas Nyerere (left) and Robinson Omutekete (right) sandwitch a Ugandan player during an Africa Cup of Nations Test match at Sikh Union, Parklands on March 20, 2021. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

The Kenya national men’s hockey team will face defending champions South Africa at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations to be played at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra, Ghana next year in January.

Kenya was pooled in Group A alongside the champions and Namibia in the continental hockey tourney that will run from January 17-23.

Men's pool 'B has 2017 runners up Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda

Kenya, led by Fedhils Kimanzi, will begin their title hunt against Namibia on January 18 before they battle South Africa the next day.

In the women’s category, Kenya has been pooled in Group B where they will battle hosts Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia.

According to the fixtures released on Wednesday by the African Hockey Federation, the ladies side led by former Blazers Hockey Club striker Jacky Mwangi will open their account against Zambia on January 17th.

They will play Ghana the following day before finishing their pool matches with a match against Nigeria on January 20th.

The top two nations from each group will proceed to the semifinals.

The winners of the tournament will qualify for the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.