🏑 Thrilling Draw Between Egypt and South Africa in African Nations Hockey Championship
The Egyptian men’s hockey team, led by coach Ahmed Zakaria, drew 3-3 against South Africa in a highly competitive match. The game was part of the third round of the African Nations Championship, currently being held at the Suez Canal Authority stadiums in Ismailia from October 11 to 18.
📊 Egypt Continues Strong Performance
Egypt is ranked 17th globally, while South Africa holds 13th place. Despite the ranking difference, the Egyptian team delivered an impressive performance, securing a draw against a tough opponent.
🆚 Upcoming Matches Against Zambia and Ghana
Egypt will face Zambia tomorrow, Wednesday, at 5 PM, followed by a match against Ghana on Friday, October 17, at the same time. The top two teams will advance to the final to compete for the African Championship title.
🔥 Strong Winning Streak Before the Draw
Egypt began the tournament with two consecutive wins, defeating Kenya 2-1 in the first match and then Nigeria 6-3 in the second, maintaining strong momentum until the draw with South Africa.
🏅 High-Level Official Visits
This morning, Saif Hamed, President of the African Hockey Federation, and Major General Ashraf Farhat, President of the Egyptian Hockey Federation and member of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, welcomed Dato’ Tip Ekram, President of the International Hockey Federation, who arrived in Cairo to attend the championship.
The visit program includes official meetings with Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Eng. Yasser Edris, President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, along with a tour of several Egyptian landmarks.
🌍 Wide Arab and African Participation
Six men’s teams are participating: Egypt (host), South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia.
The women’s competition includes five teams: Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
🏆 World Cup Qualification Significance
This edition is particularly significant as it is the 9th edition of the women’s championship and serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament also marks the return of the Egyptian women’s team after an 8-year absence, with their last participation in 2017.