Spar South Africa and Namibia renewed their long-standing rivalry in international indoor hockey at the Indoor Africa Cup, and the 1-all draw was a fair outcome of their huge tussle for continental bragging rights in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Friday, 24 May, 2024.
With both teams aware that a victory would virtually assure their qualification for the final – and a spot in the FIH Indoor World Cup – the stakes were high.
Defending champs Namibia started strong with Azaylee Philander scoring the opening goal after superb setup play from Kiana Cormack. This early goal spurred South Africa into action, showcasing their resilience with several strong offensive plays.
However, they were consistently denied by three outstanding saves from Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg, ending the first quarter 1-0 in favor of the hosts.
Sarah Paget was called on to make several crucial saves to deny Namibia more than their opening goal. Photos: Zach Zinn / ES Media
South Africa found their equalizer in the second quarter when Cerian Fourie executed a brilliant run up the left side, crossing the ball for Bonolo Moabi to tap home. Despite opportunities from penalty corners, neither team was able to add to their tally, and the score remained locked at 1-1 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Sarah Paget make a crucial save to deny a determined Kiana Cormack, while Cailynn den Bakker’s powerful shot was once again saved by Stoffberg. Both teams continued to struggle with converting penalty corners, keeping the score even at 1-1 as the third quarter ended.
In the final quarter, South Africa had an early chance, but Malikah Hamza was unable to direct it goalwards. The game remained on a knife-edge, with both teams nearly frustrating themselves as much as each other. Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
This result secured Namibia’s place in the final. South Africa will now aim to secure their spot by avoiding defeat against Zimbabwe in their final pool stage game on Saturday.
Like South African on Thursday, Zimbabwe was awarded a 5-nil forfeit result in their tie against Botswana, who’s travel difficulties resulted in the application of FIH regulations which awards that score to each of Botswana’s match opponents.
Fixtures and Results of the Indoor Africa Cup 2024 in Swakopmund, Namibia
23 May – South Africa 5-0 Botswana (Forfeit)
23 May – Namibia 12-0 Zimbabwe
24 May – Botswana 0-5 Zimbabwe (Forfeit)
24 May – Namibia 1-1 South Africa
25 May (12:30) South Africa v Zimbabwe
25 May (14:00) Botswana 0-5 Namibia (Forfeit)
26 May (12:30) Bronze Medal Match
26 May (15:30) Gold Medal Match
The Spar South Africa Team for the African Hockey Indoor Cup of Nations (Caps as at Tournament Commencement)
Caylin Den Bakker (11)
Kayla De Waal (50)
Cheree Greyvenstein (70)
Laikén Brisset (23)
Daniella Mendes De Oliveira (37)
Laylaa Davids (5)
Edith Molikoe (69)
Malikah Hamza (17)
Jamie Southgate (92)
Sarah Paget (12)
Jessica Lardant (63)
Tegan Fourie (68)
Original Copy: Hockey SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Spar South Africa and Namibia renewed their long-standing rivalry in international indoor hockey at the Indoor Africa Cup, and the 1-all draw was a fair outcome of their huge tussle for continental bragging rights in Swakopmund, Namibia, on Friday, 24 May, 2024. Photos: SA Hockey Association / Zach Zinn for ES Media
Photo 2 Caption: Namibia opened scoring but SA equalised when Cerian Fourie crossed the ball after a brilliant run for Bonolo Moabi to tap home. Photos: Zach Zinn / ES Media
Photo 3 Caption: Sarah Paget was called on to make several crucial saves to deny Namibia more than their opening goal. Photos: Zach Zinn / ES Media
Source link : https://gsport.co.za/south-africa-earns-a-draw-against-namibia-eyes-spot-in-indoor-hockey-africa-cup-final/
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Publish date : 2024-05-25 08:07:31
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