Mustafa Kassiem, a strong attacking player for South Africa, put pressure on the Australian defense in the final group stage match of the IIHF Hockey World Cup on Thursday, scoring both goals that led to a draw between the teams.
The South African men's team concluded its group campaign with an impressive performance, holding three-time champions Australia to a tense 2–2 draw. Meanwhile, the South African women's team lost to China with a score of 5–1.
The result, achieved at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, was a significant step forward after defeats against Spain and Ireland, demonstrating South Africa's potential when combining defensive intensity and attacking ambition.
Men's Team Match Details
Mustafa Kassiem was the central figure in this performance, scoring both goals from penalty corners, securing South Africa's first point in the tournament. Kassiem, the younger brother of captain Dayane Kassiem, opened the scoring in the fourth minute by converting the first penalty corner, shocking the previously undefeated Kukubaras.
Australia managed to respond through Joel Rintala with a penalty corner in the 38th minute, and then Kai Willott put them ahead five minutes later. However, South Africa reacted immediately, and Kassiem took the lead again, converting another penalty corner in the 44th minute, leveling the score. The South Africans then held their position in a tense final quarter, earning a deserved draw and halting Australia's perfect start to the tournament.
Kassiem expressed satisfaction with the team's reaction, especially after the disappointment of the first two matches. He stated: 'I think today it was all about mentality, about making sure we are preparing for the next stage of the tournament.' He added: 'I just want to thank the coaching staff, the guys on the team, everyone who participated, for the good game. I think it was a good nine out of ten. I think Australia got a bit lucky.'
Responding to the question about the high number of cards in the physical competition, Kassiem noted that the intensity reflects the attitude South Africa wanted to bring to the remainder of the tournament. He emphasized: 'I think there is a lot of history between Australia and South Africa, especially in rugby, and we tried to bring the mentality of South African struggle, not giving up and striving to finish as high as possible.'
As a result of the group stage, Australia earned seven points, while South Africa advanced to the classification phase in 9th–16th place with increased confidence.
Women's Team
As for the women's team, the group stage finale proved much tougher, as China won 5–1 at the Wagner Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. South Africa showed a lot of fight after Zou Meirong put China ahead, but Paris-Gail Isaacs equalized with a penalty corner in the 25th minute. However, China immediately responded through Zhong Jiaci and then Yu Anhui before halftime, establishing a 3–1 lead. Chen Yi added the fourth goal shortly after the restart, and Meirong completed her brace late, sealing China's victory.
This defeat ended South Africa's difficult campaign in Group D, as the team also lost to England and India; however, they will have the opportunity to finish the tournament confidently in the classification phase.