The South African women's hockey squad achieved its initial success at the FIH Hockey World Cup, held in Belgium and the Netherlands on Sunday. They secured a 3-2 victory against Chile, thanks to goals from skipper Edith Molikoe, Ntsopa Mokoena, and Caylin Maree.
This breakthrough win for the women came after a challenging pool campaign that included matches against England, India, and China. The victory at the Wagener Hockey Stadium marked a significant improvement in their performance during the 9th-16th classification phase.
FIH Hockey World Cup
Chile started the match strongly, with their captain, Manuela Urroz, scoring a penalty corner in the 13th minute to give the South Americans the lead. However, South Africa responded shortly after; their own captain, Edith Molikoe, demonstrated exceptional individual skill to gain possession before scoring in the 22nd minute, leveling the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.
The African champions managed to turn the tide ten minutes into the second half. Ntsopa Mokoena, who had previously scored against Japan on Friday, netted again in the 35th minute following an opportunity created by Kayla de Waal, making it her second goal in two consecutive matches. Furthermore, Caylin Maree added to the lead three minutes into the final quarter, capitalizing on another strong attacking sequence involving de Waal.
Chile managed to reduce the deficit through Simone Avelli in the 51st minute, setting up a tight conclusion to the game. Nevertheless, South Africa maintained their composure to clinch the 3-2 win.
The result follows a 1-1 draw against Japan on Friday, ensuring that Inky Zondi's team remains undefeated in the classification phase, providing a necessary morale boost after failing to earn a point during the pool stage. The women's final standing was pending the results of remaining classification games, with South Africa anticipated to compete in the 13th-place play-off.
FIH Hockey World Cup
Meanwhile, the men's team faced a different outcome against Malaysia. After looking poised for a second consecutive classification victory, the South African men ultimately settled for a dramatic 3-3 draw in Wavre due to a late equalizer from Malaysia in the final minute.
In the match, Luke Wynford and Nic Spooner managed to neutralize two goals scored by Malaysia's Abu Kamal Azrai, bringing the scores level at halftime. Later, Mustapha Cassiem, recognized as South Africa's all-time top World Cup scorer, put his team ahead in the 43rd minute with another impressive World Cup goal. The African champions defended their 3-2 advantage for most of the last quarter, but Faizal Saari found the equalizer in the 60th minute after South Africa failed to clear a long pass into their circle.
This draw keeps South Africa unbeaten in the classification phase, accumulating four points from their contests against France and Malaysia, though their ultimate World Cup placement and next opponent remain undecided.