The Northeast Africa Cup of Nations (ACN) Hockey Qualifier that was initially slated to take place between 1st – 8th March 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya has been cancelled.
The tournament was originally meant to be graced by six nations, fielding both male and female teams but only Kenya and Uganda confirmed participation hence they automatically qualify for ACN because only two teams per gender were meant to make the cut from the one week long qualifier in Nairobi.
However, the event proper, ACN has also been pushed forward from September 2021 to January 2022 and nations intending to host the showpiece will have to make fresh bids.
“As only one country – Uganda confirmed participation with both gender teams in addition to the host (Kenya), now there are only two nations participating. Based on this development, given the ongoing COVID-19 situation and to avoid any risks and/or burdening costs for all tournament stakeholders, the AfHF (Africa Hockey Federation) Executive Board has decided to cancel this tournament’s 1st edition and
consider Kenya & Uganda (M&W) as qualified for the upcoming ACN,” AfHF statement signed by its CEO Ahmed Azmy read.
Also, the AfHF Congress that was meant to take place this year will be held during the ACN 2022.
Uganda Hockey will now have to shift its focus to the domestic calendar notably reinstating the national league that didn’t happen last year due to Covid-19.
