The South African Women’s Hockey Team ignited their FIH Nations Cup campaign with a resilient 3–1 comeback victory over Malaysia in Poland. Despite seeing two penalty strokes saved, the South Africans overturned a half-time deficit to claim all three points and breathe momentum into their tournament.
South Africa started brightly, winning an early penalty corner, but the shot was ruled dangerous. Moments later, they earned a golden opportunity to go ahead with a penalty stroke. Quanita Bobbs stepped up, but her effort was brilliantly saved by Malaysian goalkeeper Nur Zainal.
Onthatile Zulu went close with a shot that shaved past the post, and Hannah Pearce narrowly missed with a penalty corner effort. But despite creating the better chances, it was Malaysia who took the lead. A lapse at the back post allowed Abang to control the ball, turn inside, and fire low into the corner to put Malaysia 1–0 up.
In the second quarter, South Africa continued to press but struggled to maintain momentum due to several unforced errors. Head coach Inky Zondi would have been frustrated with the lack of cutting edge as the teams went into the break with Malaysia leading 1–0.
Whatever was said in the change room at half-time clearly worked, as South Africa came out with renewed intent and resilience. The breakthrough came from Ntsopa Mokoena, who latched onto a pass from Bobbs, drove into the circle, and unleashed a powerful slap into the bottom left corner to level the scores.
Like London buses, the second goal followed quickly. This time, Cailynn den Bakker found Thati Zulu in space, and the striker made no mistake, firing home into the same spot as Mokoena had minutes earlier to make it 2–1.
The result was sealed in the final quarter when Hannah Pearce—on her 51st international appearance—converted from a penalty corner. Her shot was perfectly placed, evading two decoy runners and wrong-footing the goalkeeper.
South Africa earned another penalty stroke when den Bakker was brought down illegally, but once again Zainal produced a remarkable save, this time denying Tegan Fourie. Fortunately, the miss didn’t prove costly, and South Africa walked away with a well-deserved win.
They now look ahead to their final group stage clash against hosts Poland.
Photo credit FIH / World Sport Pics
