Dec 4, 2025

South Africa held their nerve in a testing quarter-final of the 9–16 playoffs, overcoming a spirited Malaysian side 3–1 after a first half in which the Asian nation threatened repeatedly on the counterattack. It was a performance built on patience, resilience and moments of brilliance, particularly from goalkeeper Daniel Dillon, who delivered one of the standout displays of the tournament so far.

South Africa dominated possession from the outset, controlling the tempo and dictating the patterns of play, but Malaysia’s counterattacks were razor sharp and carved out the better opportunities in the opening half. Dillon was required far more often than the South Africans would have liked, but each time he was called into action he responded superbly. His save of the half, a breathtaking one-on-one stop against Kairil after a turnover high up the field, kept the game level and lifted his team.

South Africa were creating chances of their own, and their best move of the opening quarter saw Leruo Dithakhanyane slip through Reuben Sendzul, but the hit man was unable to apply the finishing touch as the game remained finely poised.

Early in the second quarter South Africa finally earned their first penalty corner, and after a series of re-awards, Jaydon Brooker stepped up and unleashed an unstoppable drag flick to give the African champions a deserved lead. Dillon then produced a world-class double save to protect the advantage, and although South Africa thought they had doubled the margin just before the half, the umpire ruled dangerous play in the buildup. The score remained 1–0 at the break.

The third quarter brought further opportunities from penalty corners, and once again Brooker delivered, rifling home another superb set-piece to stretch the lead to 2–0. But Malaysia were not out of it. Their pressure from a penalty corner finally paid off when Aquila Mat produced a deft deflection to beat Dillon and set up a tense final phase.

South Africa responded with composure, continuing to push forward in search of the goal that would settle things. That moment arrived with three minutes remaining when Ross Montgomery converted a penalty corner to make it 3–1. South Africa even found the net again in the final minute, but the whistle had already gone and the goal could not stand.

The 3–1 victory moves South Africa into the 9–12 bracket, keeping alive their pursuit of a top-10 finish. They will face either Ireland or Switzerland in Saturday’s crossover semifinal as the classification phase continues.

Source: SAHockey.co.za