The 2026 Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) concluded in spectacular fashion at the St. John’s College Astro Turf in Harare, Zimbabwe, with Kenya’s Lakers Hockey Club pulling off the ultimate upset to be crowned the new queens of African club hockey.
In a tense and tactical Women’s Final, the Kisumu-based Lakers faced off against the perennial heavyweights and defending champions, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). After a grueling 60 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate, the match moved to the dreaded penalty shootouts.
While the pressure of the continental stage often weighs heavy, the Lakers remained ice-cold. They shut out the Ghanaians entirely in the shootout, winning 2-0 to secure their first-ever gold medal.
The victory marks a shift in the continental hierarchy, breaking the long-standing dominance of West African teams in the women’s category.
An All-Egyptian Affair in the Men’s Final
On the men’s side, the final was a masterclass in North African technical skill. In a repeat of many historical clashes, Portfouad (Egypt) took on the legendary Sharkia (Egypt).
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, ending 2-2 in regulation time. However, Portfouad proved to be the masters of the shootout, edging out the 28-time champions Sharkia 8-7 in a marathon sudden-death session to take home the gold.
Ugandan Representation and Lessons Learned
Uganda’s own Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Stallions represented the Pearl of Africa with heart. While they didn’t make the podium, their performance against the continent’s elite—including a narrow 2-1 loss to Sharkia—showed that the gap is closing. For KHC, the tournament serves as a vital stepping stone toward future continental success.
As the curtains fall on ACCC 2026, the message is clear: East African hockey is no longer just “participating”—it is winning.
