Kenya teams in action in Egypt

The national men and women's hockey teams will be in action on Sunday as the 11th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations bullies off in Ismailia, Egypt.

The women face a daunting task when they take on defending champions South Africa while their male counterparts battle Ghana at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in the round robin competition.

The week-long competition, which has brought six nations, will also act as a 2018 World Cup qualifier. The winning men and women's teams will represent the continent at next year's global showpiece in India (men) and UK (women).

The women's competition is wide open with South Africa already through to the World Cup after finishing fifth in the World League Series in August.

With that in mind, Kenya's women will fancy their chances of clinching the slot but the ladies will need a good start against the six-time champions who have been dominant.

Kenya lost 12-0 South Africa in their previous meeting during the 2015 competition and will be looking for a first win against the top ranked team in the continent.

GOOD START

Kenya coach Wilson Otieno believes a good result against South Africa will give them the impetus to have a good tournament but admits his charges face a tall order against the 13th ranked side in the world.

"The match will be a baptism of fire for us but we don't need to show fear because that will definitely work against us. We need to be right in their faces and show them we can compete at this level," Otieno said on Friday night as the departed for Egypt.

It will be Otieno's first assignment after he took over the side early this year from Nixon Nyangaga. He will most likely partner the experienced Audrey Omaido and the returning Pauline Naise in attack with the pacy Maureen Okumu and Yvonne Karanja on both wings. Strathmore Scorpions' Jane Muragu is in line to make her debut for the national team.

"Having played at this level before, I relish the chance to get the chance to mix it up with other coaches on the international stage," Otieno added.

South Africa, coached by Sheldon Rostron, have recalled Olympian Dirkie Chamberlain, Erin Hunter and Izelle Verster after they missed the World League Series.

Kenya men's team renew their rivalry with the Black Sticks of Ghana at 1pm. Kenya will be looking to exact revenge on the former winners, who beat them 1-0 last year in the World League One Series in Accra.

Meshack Senge's charges did beat Ghana to win bronze in South Africa two years ago and today's clash could be another closely fought encounter.

"We know each other well and I think we need to finally settle this score once and for all and get the better of them," Senge said.

The top two teams at the end of the round robin tourney will face off in the final.

FIXTURES

Sunday

Women: Zambia v Ghana -11am, Nigeria v Egypt - 1pm, Kenya v South Africa - 3pm

Men: South Africa v Zambia - 11am, Ghana v Kenya - 1pm, Egypt v Nigeria - 4pm