Dec 9, 2025
South Africa met Wales in the thirteen to sixteen playoff matches and despite creating enough chances to take something from the game they were left disappointed after a two nil defeat.
The first half produced no goals but plenty of moments that hinted at a breakthrough. Wales won an early penalty corner but the shot drifted wide. South Africa responded with a good opening when Teshawn de la Rey forced a turnover and released Anja Tromp who fired narrowly wide. Manisha Desai made a routine save at the other end before Ntopa Mokoena picked out Tromp again with a clever pass only for the deflection to slide past the post. At the break South Africa coach Cindy Brown was probably the more satisfied of the two coaches with the structure and energy shown.
Wales came out with renewed intent after the restart and found the opener when Olivia Forey finished a chance created by Thomas. The South Africans were still settling when Wales doubled the lead from a penalty corner situation that they failed to clear allowing Matilda Edwards to prod home and leave South Africa with a mountain to climb.
South Africa created a handful of moments in response hitting the post and forcing the Welsh keeper into sharp work but the third quarter ended with the scoreboard still reflecting a two goal deficit.
The fourth quarter began with a double penalty corner for the South Africans but Hughes produced two excellent saves to keep Wales ahead. The pressure intensified as South Africa kept asking questions but the Welsh defence stood firm. Wales then had a chance to put the result beyond doubt against the run of play but missed the opportunity which kept the South Africans interested.
Another close call followed when a deflection took the ball just beyond the reach of Ntsopa Mokoena who was lurking for a tap in. Despite creating a host of chances South Africa could not find the moment they needed and finished the match as two nil losers in a result that will feel deeply frustrating for a team that certainly had opportunities to change the script.
Source: SAHockey.co.za
