The African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 headed into its penultimate day with the destination of the title winners still uncertain. After four days of action though we now know that the title will either be won by SuperGroup South Africa or Ghana in the Women’s tournament while it’s the age-old battle between South Africa and Egypt in the Men’s tournament. The day started with Ghana’s women keeping the tournament alive by defeating the ever-improving Namibians 3-0. They scored a goal in each of the first three quarters to win the game that they were never truly in danger of losing. Elizabeth Opoku in the first, Debora Whyte in the second and Ernestina Coffie in the third meant that the 2017 Runners-Up kept the tournament alive to the final day regardless of the South African result against Kenya. The Namibian and Zimbabwean men played off in a Southern African derby match that could give Zimbabwe a possibility of medalling should they win. With that motivation in check they took the lead through Tony O’Riordan in the 18th minute. The Namibians have been guilty of missing good opportunities in this tournament, but that accusation could not be levelled at them in the 41st minute when South African based star Brynn Cleak restored parity. That parity would not last until the end of the quarter as Gift Chomunorwa made it 2-1 to Zimbabwe. The pair, who could not be split at the FIH Opens Series, were in a similar position this time as Cody van der Merwe got the goal that the performance probably deserved. Egypt were given an almighty scare in their quest to break the South African defence of the trophy as they found themselves trailing to spirited Ghanaians. Enrest Opoku opened the scoring in the first quarter but the West Africans only held that lead for four minutes before Hossam Ghobran levelled matters. The game looked destined to be all square at the end of the third quarter but a 44th minute penalty corner by Mohamed Ragab breaking the deadlock. Egypt only made the game safe with a late penalty corner from Amr Ibrahim, but the 3-1 result meant that Egypt would go into the final day with destiny in their own hands. The SuperGroup South African women never really got higher than second gear in a routine victory against Kenya. The Kenyan women were completing their program of fixtures and were hoping to get a victory to confirm a bronze medal at the minimum. Unfortunately, they will now have to wait and see if Namibia can do them a favour after they were beaten 3-0 by the South Africans. The South Africans scored all three goals in the first half before backing off and consolidating the victory. Tarryn Glasby and Erin Hunter got the opening two before Ongi Mali moved to the top of the goal scorers’ charts with the third. South Africa will know a draw against Ghana will confirm another title for Robin van Ginkel’s side. The South African men produced a less devastating display than they had in the previous games but secured a 4-0 win against a supremely fired up Kenya. It took South Africa 29 minutes to break the deadlock but when they did Austin Smith produced his most venomous flick of the tournament to score his 9th goal of the event. In the second half Smith added his second before a superb combination between Ryan Julius and Dayaan Cassiem allowed the latter to finish with a trademark scoop. The South Africans made it 4-0 with a late Keenan Horne strike but the Kenyans will be immensely proud of their performance. For the South Africans all eyes will be on the Egyptian game to decide title while Kenya will be looking to get their first win over Namibia. All the action is broadcast live on the Shoott South Africa Facebook page. African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Results – 17 August 2019 (W) – Namibia 0-3 Ghana (M) – Zimbabwe 2-2 Namibia (M) – Ghana 1-3 Egypt (W) – Kenya 0-3 South Africa (M) – Kenya 0-4 South Africa African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Fixtures – 18 August 2019 (W) – 09:00 – Zimbabwe vs. Namibia (M) – 11:00 – Zimbabwe vs. Ghana (M) – 13:00 – Kenya vs. Namibia (W) – 15:00 – Ghana vs. South Africa (M) – 17:00 – Egypt vs. South Africa

Ghana’s high hope of picking Africa’s sole ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games suffered a major setback as the national male hockey team was handed a crushing 9-1 defeat at the hands of South Africa at the African qualifiers played at the University of Stellenbosch Hockey Stadium late on Thursday August 15. The South Africans have often been a bogey side for the Ghanaians, but after two straight wins against Kenya and Namibia, Ghana was determined to break that stranglehold on them. However, their opponents were too strong and handed Coach Ebenezer Frimpong’s side a humiliating defeat and put their best foot forward to qualify for the summer Olympics. Another strong candidate, Egypt, continued their winning ways with a 6-1 victory over Namibia. In three games played so far, the free-scoring Egyptians have hit cricket scoreline, scoring 19 goals and conceding just three following a 6-0 drubbing of Zimbabwe and a 7-2 win against Kenya.  Thursday’s game provided the hosts another chance to extend their dominance over Ghana and also make a strong case to qualify for the Olympics. They had earlier beaten Namibia 3-1 in their opening match and demolished Zimbabwe 9-0 to take their haul to 21 goals scored, with only two conceded. Against Ghana , South Africa looked a well-drilled side as they scored three goals in the first quarter through Austin Smith. He was on target again in the second quarter to take his tally to four goals with Jethro Eustice and Tevin Kok scoring a brace each as the game wore on. The hosts completed the rout as Nqobile Ntuli added this name to the score sheet with Ghana’s Ernest Opoku scoring the consolation goal for Ghana. In the other match, the free scoring Egyptians who defeated Zimbabwe and Kenya 6-0 and 7-2, respectively, in their first two matches, added Namibia to their victims with a 6-1 victory yesterday to prove that they are one of the teams to beat in this tournament. Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe came from behind to beat Kenya 3-2 to claim the maximum points in the other male division clash. It was double delight for Zimbabwe as their female team defeated Kenya 2-0 through goals by Jane Murago (14th minute of the third quarter) and Leah Omwandho (sixth minute of the last quarter). Defending women’s champions, South Africa, defeated Namibia 5-0 to move on top of the table to six points, having earlier defeated Zimbabwe 2-0. Ghana follows in second place with four points from one victory and a draw. Pix- Alfred Ntiamoah tackling an opponent from behind as he controls the ball during their match against South Africa yesterday Source: GhanaWeb.com

SuperGroup South Africa opened their campaign in front of a vociferous crowd in Stellenbosch while both Egypt and the South African men kept up a 100% record in the men’s tournament. As teams began changing gears on the African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 there was a pressure on teams looking to make a statement ahead of Wednesday’s rest day. If today could be likened to a road race, today was all about positioning yourself ahead of the tournament crescendo. Ghana and Kenya opened the day in the women’s tournament with both teams buoyed by victories in their respective opening fixtures. They played out a thrilling draw to open the days proceedings. Kenya took a lead through an inventive penalty corner that was eventually turned home by Rhoda Kuira. Ghana levelled with a superb flick from Mavis Berko who put it well beyond the reach of Cynthia Onyango in the Kenyan goal. Despite both team’s best effort there was no further scoring. Egypt made a statement of intent themselves with a superb 7-2 victory over Kenya. Mohamed Elganaini bagged himself another two to move clear at the top of the goal scorer charts. Mohamed Adel also bagged a brace, while Hossam Ghobran, Ahmed Gamal and Amr Ibrahim all bagged for Egypt. Constant Wakhura and Festus Onyango gave the Kenyan’s a moment to cheer in consolation. Ghana also maintained a perfect start as they were pushed in a superb 3-1 win over Namibia. Salya Nsalbini was the star of the show with a hat-trick for Ghana all from the penalty corner. Namibia had trailed early before levelling through Pieter Jacobs. They had several opportunities but Nsalbini was ultimately the difference. The SuperGroup South African women celebrated the debut of Thati Zulu as well as the 50th cap for national skipper Erin Hunter. They faced a determined Zimbabwean side who had a fire in their belly and did a great job in denying the South African’s big opportunities. When South Africa did beat Jorydn Clipstone, they found Michelle Williams on the line to deny them. SuperGroup South Africa did take the lead when Ongi Mali struck a brilliant reaction goal to set them on their way. They finally confirmed the game late on when a superb run from Tarryn Glasby before she unselfishly squared for Dirkie Chamberlain to net and confirm a 2-0 victory. The South African Men produced a polished display 9-0 with Austin Smith netting another brace. Coach Garreth Ewing will be happy with the combination of goals from penalty corner and field goals. The goals also came from all around with 8 different goal scorers including Bili Ntuli, Clinton Panther, Dayaan Cassiem and an absolute thunderbolt Taine Paton strike. The result leaves South Africa and Egypt tied on 6 pts and a +11-goal difference at the top of the table. Tomorrow will be a rest day as the teams regroup and then buckle down when the action returns on Thursday. African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Results – 13 August 2019 (W) – Ghana 1-1 Kenya (M) – Egypt 7-2 Kenya (M) – Namibia 1-3 Ghana (W) – South Africa 2-0 Zimbabwe (M) – South Africa 9-0 Zimbabwe African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Fixtures – 15 August 2019 (W) – 09:00 – Kenya vs. Zimbabwe (M) – 11:00 – Kenya vs. Zimbabwe (M) – 13:00 – Namibia vs. Egypt (W) – 15:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa (M) – 17:00 – Ghana vs. South Africa Pictures Eunice Visagie Source: SA Hockey

#AfricanHockeyRoadToTokyo The quest for a place at the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan began on the African continent as six countries graced the opening match day with great performances and wonderful goals .The Stellenbosch University hockey pitch was the main venue for the 2019 African Olympic qualifiers. Host South Africa managed to brush aside a resilient Namibia side with who gave them a tough one in the early minutes of the game. The holders put all resources together in the third and fourth quarter to score three excellent goals with two coming from a penalty corner courtesy Austin Smith. Their main rivals Egypt had an easy one in their opening game with a 6-0 victory over Zimbabwe. Elganaini took an early lead in the top scorer race with a superb hat trick. The race for the sole qualification slot became tight as third placed team on the continent, Ghana twice came from a goal down to beat Kenya 3-2 in a keenly contested clash. With just one qualification spot up for grabs, the tenacity and intensity of tournament grew as the matches unfolded. Egypt 6-0 Zimbabwe  Egypt (World Ranking: 20) got the tournament underway as they faced Zimbabwe. The Egyptians who are returning from the FIH series finals exhibited class and great experience in the clash. With just five minutes into the game, the Egyptians were 2-0 up. A misplaced pass amongst the Namibia defense fell into the path of Ahmed Elganaini who slotted it home for the opener. He hit his brace 60 seconds later from a well executed team goal. Elganaini  completed his hat trick as he got his name on the scoresheet again in the 34th minute. Three more goals were added in the the final 10 minutes, two coming from Amr Sayed – one from a penalty corner – either side of a strike from Amr Ibrahim, also from a penalty corner. Ghana 3-2 Kenya Ghana’s men hosted Kenya in the second match of the day which produced five goals. Kenya got off to a fine start courtesy a penalty corner from skipper Constant Wakhura. The East African side after soaking an intense pressure from the Ghanaians were awarded a penalty corner few minutes to halftime. Constant with a perfect execution found the top right corner of the post beating goalkeeper Tyche Duisburg. Ghana restored parity in the 37th minute after new sensation Benjamin Kwofie left unmarked in the scoring cirle made it 1-1. Another penalty corner and Kenya were in the lead again – Onyango Festus the goalscorer this time with nine minutes left to play. The West Africans responded quickly 60 seconds later after Akaba Elikem deflected captain Salya Nsalbini’s pass into the goalpost. The Ghanaian skipper then cemented his status as the day’s hero when he grabbed the winner during overtime to give Ghana a 3-2 victory. South Africa 3-1 Namibia The host and holders, South Africa then took to the pitch in the final game of the day as they engaged Namibia a side they beat 11-0 the last time they met. Playing on their own grounds, the top ranked team on the continent were tipped to have an easy one in this but the Namibians had other plans . Thirty minutes gone and the scoreline hadn’t changed. South Africa knew they had to win at all cost and approached the third quarter a much better side. Their effort paid off as Cassiem Dayaan gave them the opener. Austin Smith added two brilliant goals from penalty corners in the 55th and 57th minute to make it 3-0. A consolation was all Namibia could afford in the dying embers of the game courtesy Percy Barthram from a penalty corner . The tournament continues on Tuesday 13th August, 2019 with Egypt hosting Kenya in the first match of the day. Ghana will then play Namibia before South Africa wraps the day with Zimbabwe.

The opening day of the African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 got underway at University of Stellenbosch today with six African Hockey nations competing for the continents ticket to the Tokyo Olympic Games. The South African Hockey Men got the tournament off to a good start with a 3-1 win over Namibia. The match was also the 150th cap for long-time goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse and he was presented with a pennant to mark the achievement.   After a goalless first half the South Africans broke the deadlock through the mercurial Dayaan Cassiem. The Western Province local forced an error in defence by the Namibians before he surged into the D and finished expertly past the impressive DJ Strauss in goals for the Namibians. Into the final quarter South Africa made the game safe as Austin Smith, another local in the South African team, earned himself a brace through penalty corners. The first was a low drag flick just over the backboard before the second was a rocket into the top right corner. There was time for a late consolation goal for Namibia that their performance deserved. Percy Barthram got onto the end of a penalty corner variation to finish the game 3-1. Egypt had earlier laid down a marker with a 6-0 win over Zimbabwe. The star of the show was hat-trick king Ahmed Elganaini, while there was a brace from Amr Sayed and Amr Ibrahim completed the scoring to get the Northern Africans off to a fantastic start. Ghana twice came from behind to deny Kenya and steal a big opening day win. The highlight being a last-minute winner that sent the Ghanaian fans into raptures. Constant Wakhura had opened the scoring for the Kenyans before Benjamin Kwofie levelled for Ghana. Festus Onganyo would have sent the fans into raptures giving Kenya a late lead before Ghana produced an outstanding fightback through Elikem Akaba and then skipper Salya Nsalbini to win a superb encounter. The SuperGroup South African Hockey women had a bye on the opening day as the women’s tournament only has five nations competing and were able to get an early look at this opposition. In the opening game of the tournament it was the Ghanaian Women who landed the first strike. They were victorious 3-1 over Zimbabwe. Vivian Narkuor got herself a first quarter brace to give the West Africans an early 2-0 lead. Sophie McDonald gave the Zimbabweans a glimmer of hope with a 21st minute field goal before Roberta Sarfo made the game safe for Ghana. A spirited performance from Namibia was not enough in the second game against Kenya with Grace Makokha scoring the only goal of the game to give the East Africans a winning start against their Southern African opponents. African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Results – 12 August 2019 (W) Ghana 3-1 Zimbabwe (W) Namibia 0-1 Kenya (M) Egypt 6-0 Zimbabwe (M) Ghana 3-2 Kenya (M) South Africa 3-1 Namibia African Hockey Road to Tokyo 2020 Fixtures – 13 August 2019 (W) – 11:00 – Ghana vs. Kenya (M) – 13:00 – Egypt vs. Kenya (M) – 15:00 – Namibia vs. Ghana (W) – 17:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe (M) – 19:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe Pictures – Eunice Visagie Source: SA Hockey