The Kenyan men will wrap up their group campaign against Zambia in their final fixture. The Kenya men’s and women’s national hockey teams produced impressive performances on Wednesday at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt. The men’s team bounced back from earlier defeats to register their first win of the tournament, coming from a goal down to edge Nigeria 2–1, while the women’s team held defending champions South Africa to a hard-fought goalless draw. Men’s team: Kenya fight back to down Nigeria Nigeria took an early lead in the fourth minute through John Peter, who slotted home a field goal past Kenyan goalkeeper Caleb Omondi. Kenya, however, responded strongly, equalizing in the 15th minute through Mathias Omwaka, who converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick. The winning goal came in the 43rd minute, when Alex Taiswa fired home from open play to secure the comeback victory for Kenya — their first in the competition. Before the Nigeria clash, Kenya had endured a tough start to the tournament. They lost their opening match 2–1 to hosts Egypt, despite taking the lead through Bethuel Masambu in the 40th minute. Egypt equalized through Hossameldin Ragab and sealed victory with a late goal from Mostafa Ragab in the 51st minute. In their second outing, Kenya fell 3–1 to defending champions South Africa, and later suffered a 4–2 defeat to Ghana, with goals from Moses Muigai and Omwaka providing little consolation. With four matches played, the Kenyan men now sit fifth on the standings with three points, above bottom-placed Zambia, who remain winless. Kenya will wrap up their group campaign against Zambia in their final fixture. Women’s team: Kenya hold defending champions In the women’s category, Kenya showed remarkable defensive organization and composure to hold South Africa to a 0–0 draw, a result that keeps their title hopes very much alive. Earlier in the tournament, the Kenyan ladies made a strong start, defeating Nigeria 1–0 in their opening match courtesy of a solitary goal by Alice Owiti. They followed it up with an emphatic 4–0 victory over hosts Egypt, with Joan Anjao, Eleanor Chebet, Naom Kemunto, and Alice Owiti all finding the back of the net. With three matches played, Kenya sit second on the table with seven points, level with South Africa, but trail only on goal difference — the South Africans leading by six goals. Kenya Results Summary Men’s Results: Lost 1–2 vs Egypt Lost 1–3 vs South Africa Lost 2–4 vs Ghana Won 2–1 vs Nigeria Women’s Results: Won 1–0 vs Nigeria Won 4–0 vs Egypt Drew 0–0 vs South Africa. Source: mozzartsport.co.ke | 15 Oct. 2025

The South African men’s hockey team sealed their place in the 2025 African Hockey Cup of Nations final in emphatic style, powering to an 11–3 victory over Ghana in Ismailia on Wednesday. After a competitive and physical opening quarter, South Africa gradually took control and delivered a statement performance worthy of defending champions. The early exchanges saw South Africa win a penalty corner, with Mustapha Cassiem and Sam Mvimbi both testing the Ghanaian goalkeeper in quick succession. A heavy collision moments later saw Ghana’s Stephan Asamoah shown a yellow card, as the contest’s intensity rose sharply. South Africa broke the deadlock when Keenan Horne was perfectly placed to finish after a deft deflection from Hans Neethling off Nic Spooner’s pass, giving the men in green and gold a 1–0 lead at the first break. Ghana equalised early in the second quarter through Emmanuel Makaba, who converted a penalty stroke after the ball struck Sam Mvimbi on the line. But South Africa responded swiftly, with Dayaan Cassiem reacting first to a loose ball in the circle to restore the lead with a precise finish. There was no shortage of drama as South Africa missed a chance to extend their advantage when Mustapha Cassiem sent a penalty stroke wide, but Sam Mvimbi made amends shortly after, converting another stroke to make it 3–1. Ghana, however, refused to fade and pulled one back through Benjamin Kwofie before halftime to keep the contest alive at 3–2. The defending champions started the second half with intent. Zenani Kraai finished smartly from a superb Calvin Davis diagonal to restore the two-goal cushion, before Ryan Mann marked his first international goal to make it 5–2. From there, South Africa found their rhythm and put on a finishing masterclass, Dayaan Cassiem added a sublime reverse-stick strike, Mustapha Cassiem fired home from a penalty corner, and Jaydon Brooker netted another set-piece to close out the third quarter with South Africa leading 8–2. Debutant Brendan du Toit was introduced in the final quarter to earn his first international cap, while Sihle Ngubane fired home a crisp strike to bring up South Africa’s ninth. Ghana managed a consolation through Christopher Dogbe, but the South Africans were far from done. Keenan Horne added his second after excellent work from Dayaan Cassiem, and Hans Neethling rounded off the scoring with a neat finish amid a goalmouth scramble, completing an 11–3 rout. The victory means South Africa and Egypt have officially qualified for the final, setting up yet another mouth-watering clash between the two continental powerhouses. The teams will enjoy a rest day on Thursday before wrapping up the group stage on Friday ahead of Saturday’s showpiece final. Source: SAhockey.co.za | Oct 15, 2025

The South African women’s hockey team were left frustrated after being held to a 0–0 draw by Kenya in their third match of the 2025 African Hockey Cup of Nations in Ismailia on Wednesday. Despite enjoying the bulk of possession and creating numerous chances, the South Africans were unable to find a way past a resolute Kenyan defence. Before the match, there were two significant milestones celebrated. Quanita Bobbs became just the 11th South African woman to reach 200 international caps, a remarkable testament to her consistency and leadership over more than a decade at the top level. Edith Molikoe also marked her 50th appearance, joining a small group of players to have achieved that milestone in both indoor and outdoor formats — highlighting her value across all forms of the game. Once the action began, South Africa asserted themselves early and dictated the tempo throughout. They moved the ball with purpose, pressed high up the field, and created a steady flow of scoring opportunities. However, an inspired performance from the Kenyan defence, led superbly by goalkeeper Quinton Okore, kept the defending champions at bay. The South Africans continued to dominate possession and territory in the second half, but despite earning a succession of penalty corners and maintaining pressure, the elusive breakthrough never came. Kenya’s defensive structure held firm, frustrating every attack and denying South Africa the goal that their effort and intent perhaps deserved. The result keeps South Africa unbeaten in the tournament, but also means they will need to avoid defeat against Nigeria on Friday to secure their place in Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final. Source: SAhockey.co.za | Oct 15, 2025