Joomla Sport Template

In the men’s event, Ghana triumphed over their West-African rivals beating them 3 -0.

And likewise in the women’s event, Ghana beat Nigeria 2-0.

The event which was nearly marred by funding issues has taken off smoothly at the Theodosia Oko Hockey pitch and is going into its second day, Saturday 8^th September.

In the men’s competition, Egypt, Nigeria and host nation Ghana will fight it out to qualify for the second round.  Egypt, who are ranked 24^th in the current FIH (International Hockey Federation) world rankings, are largely viewed as the tournament favourites. Nigeria are currently ranked 70^th in the FIH Rankings, making them the lowest ranked team in the competition. Ghana are ranked some thirteen places below Egypt at 37^th.

The women’s event is being contested between just two teams, that is Ghana and Nigeria and they are battling it out for a place in Round 2. Ghana are ranked 31^st, a considerable position above Nigeria who are ranked 70^th.

In the second day of the tourney, Egypt will face off against Nigeria in the men’s competition. And in the women’s competition, Nigeria will have a chance to exact revenge when they face Ghana in the return Round Robin stage.

The Hockey World League has been developed by the FIH to present hockey at its best whilst also providing rapidly improving hockey nations with a stage to show what they are capable of. The tournament has four rounds which are to take place between August 2012 and February 2013, with each round acting as a qualifier for the next. This process gives every team the potential to reach the tournament final.  The Hockey World League also acts as the qualification competition for the FIH World Cups which take place in 2014, with 12 qualification places up for grabs.

Source: George-Patrick Bediaku | allsports.com.gh