South Africa teams blast into Africa Cup for Nations finals

Following a high-scoring third day of action at the Africa Cup for Nations continental championships, the finalists for both the men’s and women’s competitions are now known.

The men’s final will be contested between South Africa and Egypt, while the women’s showpiece will feature South Africa and Ghana. The finals both take place on Saturday, with the winning teams sealing their places at next summer’s spectacular Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which takes place in The Hague, Netherlands.

South Africa men cruised to 5-1 win against Kenya on Thursday, with team captain Austin Smith scoring four penalty corners. Julian Hykes was also on target as tournament favourites continued their fine form in Nairobi.

Egypt’s place in the final was sealed when they emerged as narrow victors of a thrilling contest against Ghana. Egypt found themselves trailing 3-1 with 20 minutes left, but a tremendous fight-back was completed when Ashraf Said scored a 69^th minute winner to give the north Africans a remarkable win.

South Africa sealed top spot in the women’s league table courtesy of a thumping 25-0 victory over Tanzania. Lilian du Plessis scored eight times in the rout, with Sulette Damons chipping in with four. The result saw the South Africans move ahead of Ghana – who were winners against Kenya on Thursday – on goal-difference.

Ghana and South Africa could not be separated in their league match, with the scores finishing locked at 1-1. The two will meet again in Saturday’s final, and this time there has to be a winner.

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2013 Africa Cup For Nations – Day 3 Results.

Men
Ghana 3 Egypt 4 (Egypt to face SA in the final on Saturday)
South Africa 5 Kenya 1