South Africa retain African hockey titles as Kenya claim bronze in Ismailia
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 19.10.25. | 15:37
Despite the loss, Kenya’s Samuel Silong was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, recognizing his standout performances throughout the competition
South Africa’s men’s and women’s hockey teams successfully defended their continental titles at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations, clinching victories in the finals held on Sunday in Ismailia, Egypt, to secure their spots at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, to be hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands.
In the men’s final, South Africa reaffirmed their continental supremacy with a commanding 5–1 win over hosts Egypt, securing their ninth consecutive African title — a run that dates back to 1989, the last time Egypt lifted the trophy.
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Star forward Mustaphaa Cassiem was the hero of the match, netting a hat-trick with goals in the 8th, 15th, and 43rd minutes.
Zeiad Esmat scored Egypt’s lone goal in the 19th minute, but South Africa were relentless, adding further strikes through Nicholas Spooner (41st minute) and Calvin Davis (46th minute) to seal an emphatic victory.
In the women’s category, South Africa proved equally dominant, defeating Ghana 4–0 to clinch their eighth consecutive continental title — maintaining a winning streak that stretches back to 1990, when Zimbabwe last won the championship.
Kenya’s national teams capped off their campaign with mixed fortunes in their respective third-place playoffs.
The Kenya women’s team edged Nigeria 1–0 to claim bronze, thanks to a decisive goal from Grace Bwire.
The result marked a strong finish for Kenya, who showed consistency throughout the tournament, registering wins against Nigeria and Egypt and a draw against South Africa in the group stages.
The Kenya men’s team, however, fell short in their bronze medal clash, losing 3–1 to Nigeria.
Goals from Denis Solomon and a brace from James Samaila sealed the victory for the West Africans, while Sutcliffe Usagi scored Kenya’s only goal of the match.
Despite the loss, Kenya’s Samuel Silong was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, recognizing his standout performances throughout the competition.
Individual awards
Top Scorer (Women): Berko Mavis (Ghana) – 6 goals
Top Scorer (Men): James Samaila (Nigeria) – 8 goals
MVP (Women): Quanita Bobbs (South Africa)
MVP (Men): ElGanaini Ahmed (Egypt)
Best Goalkeeper (Women): Dorothy Ngissah (Ghana)
Best Goalkeeper (Men): Samuel Silong (Kenya)
Speaking during the awards ceremony, International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram congratulated the winners and commended the overall quality of the tournament.
“Congratulations to South Africa’s men’s and women’s teams for their outstanding triumphs at the Africa Cup of Nations and for securing their qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026,” said Ikram.
“This edition of the Africa Cup of Nations truly embodied the spirit of African hockey — passion, unity, and excellence. It was a great pleasure to meet the athletes representing their nations and to engage with them directly. Their dedication, pride, and determination reflect the bright future of African hockey.”
Ikram also extended appreciation to the Egyptian Hockey Federation, the African Hockey Federation, and all participating teams for delivering a successful event that “showcased Africa’s growing presence on the world hockey stage.”
Results summary (final day)
Women’s 3rd Place Playoff: Kenya 1–0 Nigeria
Men’s 3rd Place Playoff: Kenya 1–3 Nigeria
Women’s Final: South Africa 4–0 Ghana
Men’s Final: South Africa 5–1 Egypt
