CAIRO – Egypt’s Sharkia Club men’s team clinched its 28th African Club Championship title and third consecutive triumph, reinforcing its Guinness World Record as the most decorated hockey club with the most continental titles in history.
Sharkia Club secured the African title with a 5-3 victory over Aircraft Factory Club, following a dramatic 4-4 tie in regular time.
As Africa’s most decorated hockey club, Sharkia has competed in all 35 editions of the tournament, winning 28 times and cementing its dominance.
It holds a Guinness World Record as the first Arab club featured in the Guinness Book of Records and the most successful hockey team globally, with an unmatched 10 consecutive continental titles.
The final, an all-Egyptian showdown between Sharkia Club and Aircraft Factory Club, was attended by Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi.
The African Club Championship, hosted in Ismailia from Jan. 30 to Feb. 7, featured 11 men’s teams, including four from Egypt—Zamalek, Sharkia Club, Aircraft Factory Club, and Port Fouad—alongside teams from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
Sharkia’s domestic dominance is equally impressive, with 34 Egyptian Premier League titles since 1984/85 through the 2023/24 season.
Egyptian Hockey Federation President Ashraf Farhat praised Minister Sobhi’s support, emphasizing the need for investment to elevate Egypt’s national team’s ranking, aiming to surpass South Africa, which currently holds the top position in Africa.
Khaled Bayoumi, General Supervisor of Sharkia Club, highlighted the team’s dominance, winning 28 of 35 African championships. He credited the club’s sustained success to a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
In recognition of its impact on Egyptian and African hockey, Sharkia Club has twice received the First Class Republic Medal for Sports, in 1994 and 2008.
The Egyptian men’s hockey team, meanwhile, advanced to the semi-finals of the second World Nations Cup in Muscat, Oman, held from February 17 to 23, following a 2-2 draw against Poland in the final group stage match.
With this result, Egypt topped Group A with seven points, while Poland finished second with five, both securing their places in the semi-finals as they await the qualifiers from Group B.
Scotland, the USA, and Poland joined Egypt in the World Nations Cup semi-finals.
Egyptian Hockey Federation President Farhat commended the national team’s performance in the second World Nations Cup.
“The World Nations Hockey Championship is a highly competitive tournament and serves as a qualifier for one of the strongest global competitions,” Farhat told On Sport channel.
Egypt impressed in the group stage, securing a 5-4 win over China, a 3-1 victory against Chile, and a 2-2 draw with Poland to top Group A. Group B features Austria, the USA, Scotland, and Oman.
“Our main objective is to improve our international ranking, as Egypt currently stands 17th in the world,” Farhat added.
“The team is performing exceptionally well, with both the coaching staff and players giving their best to achieve strong results.”
Scotland topped its group with six points after a 3-2 win over the USA, which advanced in second place on goal difference.
China defeated Chile 2-1, finishing third in its group with four points behind Egypt and Poland, while Chile ended last with no points.
Austria beat Oman 5-3, securing third place with six points behind Scotland and the USA, while Oman finished last without a point.
