Hockey: Kenyan opponents for Africa Cup of Nations test revealed
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 31.08.25. | 18:20
In the last edition in 2022 that was played in Accra, Ghana, Kenya men entered tournament with promise, advancing from Pool A but ultimately fell just short of the podium
The Kenya hockey men’s and women's national teams are set to head to Ismailia, Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations that will be played from 11-18, October 2025.
Kenya will feature in Pool B alongside hosts Egypt, Ghana, and Zambia, while Pool A has South Africa, Nigeria, and Namibia.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The women’s team will battle against continental giants South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, and Egypt.
In the last edition in 2022 that was played in Accra, Ghana, Kenya men entered tournament with promise, advancing from Pool A but ultimately fell just short of the podium.
They secured a semifinal spot with a dominant 4–1 victory over Namibia , only to be edged in a tightly fought 2–1 loss to defending champions South Africa .
In the third-place playoff, Nigeria outmuscled Kenya 4–2 to claim bronze, consigning the Kenyans to a fourth-place finish .
Despite a rocky start that included a walkover loss to hosts Ghana due to travel delays , the women regrouped impressively.
They rallied to beat Zambia 3–0, then edged Namibia and Nigeria each by 2–1 to reach the semifinals .
A 4–0 defeat to powerhouse South Africa in the semis relegated them to the bronze match, where they held Zimbabwe scoreless over regulation time.
A tense shootout ensued, with Eleanor Chebet, Lynn Tamunai, and Alice Owiti converting for Kenya, while keeper Millicent Adhiambo made two crucial saves to secure a 3–1 penalty victory
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kenya men’s hockey national team head coach Michael Malungu said his charges are ready to take on the continent’s best when the Africa Cup of Nations (ACN) gets underway.
“The preparations have been good so far, the boys are ready for the task ahead,” said Malungu.
“Hockey, unlike other sports which is more of an amateur sport here in Kenya, we do not have the privilege of having the best of preparations. We have used the facilities in place and everything is going on well. We were lucky to have the league break in August and that boosted our training. We intend to have our final team in September as we head to the Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia.”
Malungu's remarks signal a team that is learned from past near-misses and is now training with purpose.
The men will compete in Pool B against hosts Egypt, Ghana, and Zambia; while the women face a formidable line-up including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, and Egypt.
Their schedule unfolds across the week of October 11 to 18, starting with both teams opening their campaigns on October 11.
The women's side face Nigeria, while the men begin with Ghana.
The tournament will run through pool matches, semis, and the finals, culminating in closing ceremonies on October 18.
Kenya Men’s Fixtures (Pool B)
Saturday, October 11 – 12:00: Kenya vs Ghana
Sunday, October 12 – 15:00: Kenya vs Zambia
Sunday, October 12 – 17:00: Egypt vs Kenya
Wednesday, October 15 – 17:00: Egypt vs Kenya
Kenya Women’s Fixtures
Saturday, October 11 – 10:00: Kenya vs Nigeria
Sunday, October 12 – 15:00: Egypt vs Kenya
Tuesday, October 14 – 15:00: Kenya vs South Africa
Wednesday, October 15 – 13:00: Namibia vs Kenya
Friday, October 17 – 12:00: Kenya vs Ghana
.jpg)
