Dec 9, 2022

African Hockey Indoor Test Series | South Africans show improvements in third tests

Namibia led the five match test series 2-0 in the womens and 1-0 in the Mens after the opening day of action in Windhoek. South Africa was determined to fight back on day 2.

Women’s Third Test: Namibia 2-2 South Africa

SPAR South Africa wanted a better start to the game and they got exactly that when Cerian Fourie picked up the ball in the second minute. Petro Stoffberg game off her line and uncharacteristically missed the ball, Cerian Fourie was only happy to finish off her second goal in her second International game.

South Africa probably should have added to their score in the opening quarter but despite the upperhand they had to wait until the 19th minute to double their lead. Jess O’Connor put away a perfect finish into the right side of the net from a penalty corner and gave the visitors a two goal lead at the half-time break.

Namibia have developed into a superb indoor hockey nation and showed their determination once again in the third quarter. Namibia pressured De Oliviera and Philander fired home her fifth of the series, the only player to have scored for the hosts so in the series.

She furthered that statement with another goal and the equalizer when she reacted quickest to an umpire playing advantage and fired in from a narrow angle. South Africa had two penalty corners, Namibia continued to look for goals on the break but it ended 2-2 and Namibia held onto a 2-0 series lead with two games to play.

Men’s Third Test: Namibia 3-7 South Africa

The SA Indoor Hockey Men brought life into the series with a commanding victory. They led 3-1 before it was brought back to 3-3. They then romped home for the victory.

Spencer Botes and Mustapha Cassiem scored for South Africa in the opening quarter and Dayaan added to it early in the third. But Namibia pegged it back slowly but surely through Fagan Hansen, Percry Barthram and Dylan Finch as the game was pulled level.

South Africa would be a bit nervous after Namibia fought back yesterday in superb fashion but Lungani Gabela gave the visitors the lead ahead of the final interval.

Namibia would still have considered themselves with a chance in the final quarter but it was Mustapha Cassiem netted three more goals to extend the lead and secure the match levelling the series at 1-1

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