National hockey teams land tough Afcon pools

The national men and women's hockey sides have been placed in tough pools ahead of next year's Africa Cup of Nations to be played at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra, Ghana. 

The quadrennial event will run from January 17-23.

The men's team are in pool 'A' together with champions South Africa and Namibia, while their women's counterparts are in pool 'B' that has the hosts and 2017 runners up, champions South Africa, Nigeria and Zambia.

Men's pool 'B has 2017 runners up Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Champions South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Namibia form pool 'A'.

The men's team, under the stewardship of Fedhils Kimanzi, will begin their title hunt against Namibia on January 18 before they battle South Africa the next day.

The women's team, which finished fourth during the 2017 edition held in Ismailia, Egypt will start off with a match against Zambia on January 17.

Jacqueline Mwangi's charges battle Ghana the next day before they complete the group stage with a tie against Nigeria a day later.

The men's team finished last during the last edition behind Ghana, Egypt and eventual winners South Africa.

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

Kenya Hockey Union Secretary General Wycliffe Ongori said the teams will continue to train in preparation of the championship.

"The teams are fresh from participating in the Daikyo Japan Motors Jamhuri hockey tournament in Mombasa over the weekend and they will resume training on Wednesday.

While we are yet to receive the draws officially, if what is being shared across the media platforms is anything to by, then our teams have familiar opponents," stated the official. 

Winners will qualify for the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup in Rourkela, India (men) and Terrassa, Spain or Amstelveen, the Netherlands (women) to be played next year.