South Africa Finish Group Stage in Style with Win Over Nigeria

With their place in Saturday’s African Hockey Cup of Nations final already secured, the South African men’s hockey team produced another commanding performance, defeating Nigeria 8–3 in Ismailia on Thursday to close out the group phase unbeaten and full of confidence ahead of their rematch with Egypt.

Header Image: Jan van Zyl

South Africa made the ideal start when the Cassiem brothers combined in trademark fashion, Dayaan Cassiem finishing clinically to give the defending champions an early lead. Nigeria responded well and levelled early in the second quarter through Dennis Solomons, who was afforded space in the circle and made no mistake with a composed finish.

The South Africans regained control when Andrew Hobson reacted quickest to a rebound from a penalty corner, tucking the ball home from close range to restore the advantage. But Nigeria hit back again on the stroke of halftime with a swift counterattack finished superbly by Alkana Ibrahim, sending the teams into the break level at 2–2.

After halftime, South Africa stepped up a gear and showed their class with an explosive third-quarter display that yielded five goals. Keenan Horne restored the lead with a sublime finish seconds after the restart, before Dayaan Cassiem added his second after a neat exchange with his brother Mustapha.

The pressure mounted on Nigeria as Hans Neethling punished a defensive lapse from a penalty corner, and Sam Mvimbi calmly converted a penalty stroke to extend the lead further. Moments later, Nic Spooner finished off a slick counterattack to make it 7–2 heading into the final quarter.

Nigeria reduced the deficit with a penalty stroke from James Samaila, but South Africa had the final say as Hans Neethling pounced on a rebound from a penalty corner to complete the 8–3 scoreline.

It was a confident and composed performance from the South Africans, who now turn their attention to Saturday’s final against hosts Egypt — a clash that promises to once again showcase the very best of African hockey.

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