South Africa and Canada began their classification matches and a quest for a top 10 finish as they faced off in Bhubaneswar to start the next phase of the FIH Junior World Cup. It was the second meeting between the two sides after South Africa beat Canada 3-1 in the 2016 iteration of the tournament. A tentative game and a goal-less first quarter quickly came to life as South Africa produced their best quarter of hockey combined with some inexperience from Canada in the second quarter. Cameron le Forestier and Idrees Abdulla both got themselves on the score sheet before Guy Morgan’s penalty corner struck a foot on the line and the captain converted his own penalty stroke. 3-0 the half-time score, but South Africa were probably wondering how they hadn’t scored more in that dominant second quarter. Le Forestier though quickly made sure he would not rue chances as he netted his hat-trick and his fifth of the tournament. First, he squeezed a shot past Coombs before a diving deflection made it three for the impressive youngster. A frenetic final quarter presented itself next as five goals were shared between the two sides, while the South African’s gave themselves some questions to answer. Guy Morgan made it 6-0 with a superb penalty corner before Flynn McCulloch scored what looked like a consolation goal. Trevor de Lora re-established the 6-goal lead when he effected a turnover in the Canadian defence and romped home a tomahawk finish. Canada finished the game the better side though with Sean Davis and Alexander Bird both netted while Bird thought he had one more goal late on, but a touch went unspotted. The game ultimately ended 7-3 to the Africans who march on to the 9-12 bracket and a meeting against either Pakistan or USA. Man of the Match Cameron le Forestier shared his thoughts after the game: “We are still trying to chase those 60 minutes of good hockey, we produced maybe 30 solid minutes, but we know we need to be better. Our objective is to try and finish 9th and that’s what we are working towards. I’m pleased with my performance and goals, just about being in the right place at the right time!” RESULT South Africa 7-3 Canada  Source: SAHockey.co.za

As the group stage of action for South Africa and Malayisa came to its end at the 2021 FIH Junior World Cup of Hockey in Bhubaneswar, the two countries locked horns knowing they both needed a result to progress in the tournament. For South Africa it was a win needed, while Malaysia would secure their place in the top 8 with a draw. With so much on the line the two nations produced what could simply be described as a classic that had goals, cards, opportunities, saves and some great tension. Malaysia had their lead erased 3 times in course of the game but ultimately shaded the game with a 56th minute strike. The 4-3 win meant Malaysia qualified for the quarter final for the fifth time in their history and South Africa will now play off for a best finish of 9th. After a tense opening half, Malaysia managed the only goal of the first period with a penalty corner hit low and hard by Khalid in the 29th minute. It was probably a fair reflection of the first half as Malaysia had looked the most likely to score. But the African side came out with wonderful intent in the second half and pulled level when captain Guy Morgan fired home the penalty corner. Malaysia re-established the lead from a well worked penalty corner variation through Kamaruddin that gave keeper Taine Bird little chance. But once again South Africa bounced back with a wonderful goal from Jared Campbell, the vice-captain, who finished with a wonderful instinctive shot. Shamsul re-established the lead for Malaysia when a triple save was not cleared and eventually fired home. With South Africa needing a victory they surged forward and Jared Campbell levelled again when he reacted quickest to finish into an empty net. As South Africa poured forward looking for the goal that would secure a first ever Junior World Cup victory over Malaysia as well as a first spot in the Quarter Finals ever, they left them self open at the back and the Malaysians capitalized to score the game winning goal. It was an enthralling game of hockey that presented enough opportunities for the Africans, but they will now play off in the 9-16 Bracket with a first playoff game against Canada who finished bottom of Pool D.    The game takes place on the 30 November and will be live on the Watch Hockey App. Full Time SA 3-4 Malaysia Source: SAHockey.co.za