The Ghanaian ladies tore into the hosts with an 8-1 demolition job on opening day before dismantling West African foes Nigeria 5-1 yesterday at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium to stamp their authority on the tournament.

Displaying slick passing, ruthless finishing and total dominance in both circles, Coach Norbert Adu Gyabaa’s side has quickly emerged as one of the frontrunners for the continental crown — and Africa’s sole ticket to next year’s FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands and Wavre, Belgium, from August 14–30 August.

Mixed fortunes

It was a more mixed opening for the men’s team, who fell 1-2 to Nigeria in a cagey opener before being awarded a 5-0 walkover win and three points after Zambia failed to honour their fixture.

Both Ghanaian teams are among five nations vying for continental glory and a spot on hockey’s biggest stage.

For the women’s team, ranked second in Africa, the next hurdle is the ultimate test — a mouth-watering showdown with defending champions South Africa tomorrow (Tuesday).

 With both sides unbeaten, the clash is shaping up as a potential dress rehearsal for Sunday’s final. The Black Sticks’ confidence, cohesion and lethal form in front of goal suggest they are primed to push the dominant South Africans all the way this time.

The round-robin tournament, which runs from October 11–18, will culminate in the top two teams from each division contesting the grand finale.
 

After Monday’s rest day, the Ghanaian men return to the turf against Kenya tomorrow before squaring up to heavyweights South Africa on Wednesday in what could be a tournament-defining encounter. They will wrap up their preliminary campaign against hosts Egypt on Friday.

Meanwhile, the women’s side completes their group stage on Friday against Kenya, with hopes of sealing a spot in the championship match.

The bronze-medal playoff and the finals in both divisions are set for Sunday, promising an explosive climax to a week of high-octane hockey in Ismailia.