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18.01.2022 Hockey

2022 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations Championship begins in Accra

By Sammy Heywood Okine
2022 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations Championship begins in Accra
18.01.2022 LISTEN

The 2022 Africa Hockey Cup of Nations has kicked off at the Theodocia Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra, Ghana from January 17 to January 23, 2022.

The Minister of Youth & Sports, Mustapha Ussif performed the opening ceremony.

President of Ghana Hockey Association Mr K. B. Asante called for more corporate support for hockey which is the third most-watched sport in the world.

He commended the countries and players who are participating and everyone supporting hockey.

Mr Nii Kwei Kumah, Vice President of the African Hockey Federation, Mr Yoofi Grant Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotions Company and Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games addressed guests and fans at the opening ceremony.

The competition which involves 7 male and 8 female teams is expected to be another opportunity to see the best hockey stars on the continent.

The host team, the Black Sticks from Ghana, are in Group B alongside last year’s runners-up and two-time winners Egypt in the Men's category. They are paired with Nigeria and Uganda.

The defending champions South Africa come up against Kenya and Namibia in Group A.

The women edition involves Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia in Group B.

South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Uganda are in Group A.

Madam Elizabeth King, vice president of the Ghana Hockey Association believes Ghana will try to host and win, especially the female category.

South Africa are the defending Men's champions, winning the 2017 edition. The winner will qualify for the 2023 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.

South Africa are the seven-time defending champions also in the Women's category, winning the 2017 edition. The winner will qualify for the 2022 Women's FIH Hockey World Cup.

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