South Africa’s Hockey Men were held to a 2-2 draw by Malaysia in the third test of their five-match series, leaving the contest alive heading into the final two matches.
Photo – ACK Sport Photography
The match also marked the return of Mustapha Cassiem, who made his comeback from the injury he suffered during the FIH Nations Cup. A South African victory would have sealed the series, but Malaysia produced a determined performance to ensure there is still plenty to play for.
Unlike the opening two tests, South Africa played with less of a counterattacking edge, while both teams will feel they had enough chances to get more from the game.
The first half ended goalless, but not without opportunities. Malaysia created an early chance across the face of goal, but no touch arrived when one was needed. Cassiem worked his way into the game and showed flashes of his quality, although he was limited mainly to half-chances in the opening half.
Malaysia threatened again when Anuar was found in acres of space, but his effort failed to trouble Cullin de Jager. At the other end, Tevin Kok and Mustapha Cassiem combined brilliantly, with Cassiem showing excellent juggling skills before sending his effort just wide. Hans Neethling was also set up by Dayaan Cassiem, but his lifted effort went over the goal.
Calvin Davis saw a penalty corner saved comfortably, while Malaysia continued to snatch at a few promising moments as the sides went into half-time locked at 0-0.
The third quarter brought more intensity. Kenton Melville had a penalty corner well saved by Zalmi, while Azrai pulled a reverse-stick effort just wide of the goal, not far from finding Kamuraddin at the far post.
Malaysia then found the breakthrough from a penalty corner, and it was executed to perfection. Syed Cholan lifted his effort into the roof of the net, giving De Jager no chance and putting the visitors 1-0 ahead at the end of the third quarter. The goal was quickly followed by a touch of rain, adding further drama to an already tense contest.
South Africa responded in the final quarter when Dayaan Cassiem and Tevin Kok combined to win a penalty corner. It proved to be a pivotal moment. Davis’ strike hit a Malaysian player on the line, and Sam Mvimbi stepped up to calmly slot the resulting penalty stroke and level the scores.
In the 54th minute, South Africa earned another penalty corner, and their big man stepped forward. Mustapha Cassiem marked his return in style, firing the hosts into the lead and putting South Africa within touching distance of a series-clinching victory.
But the lead lasted just one minute. Malaysia capitalised on a scrappy defensive moment from South Africa, with Azrai slapping the ball home to bring the visitors level once again.
Neither side was able to find a winner in the closing stages, as South Africa and Malaysia shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The fourth test takes place on Friday.
