Poland booked their place in the semi-finals of the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over South Africa in Walcz on Thursday evening, a result that saw the hosts top the group and eliminate the African champions from the title race.
South Africa entered the clash knowing only a win would be enough to secure progression. They couldn’t have asked for a better start, Quanita Bobbs reacted quickest to a loose ball in the circle and fired home a clinical opener to give the visitors an early lead.
However, the joy was short-lived as Poland struck back almost immediately. A lapse in defensive structure allowed too much space out wide, and a pinpoint cross found Hanna Wochna unmarked at the far post to level the scores.
With both teams needing victory to achieve their objectives, the game opened up into an entertaining end-to-end affair. Poland regained the lead when Oliwia Krychniak was afforded too much space in the circle and made no mistake with a composed finish. South Africa earned a penalty corner just before the end of the quarter, but it was well-defended, and they trailed 2-1 at the first break.
Poland ramped up the pressure in the second quarter, winning a string of penalty corners. One of them led to a penalty stroke, and although Aphiwe Dimba guessed the right way, she couldn’t keep it out as the hosts extended their lead to 3-1.
South Africa had their chances, including a penalty corner of their own, but couldn’t find the telling touch. Dimba produced a superb save to keep her side in the contest, while Ntsopa Mokoena saw a quick-fire shot fly narrowly wide.
With time ticking away, South Africa threw everything forward and finally found a lifeline. Kayla de Waal produced a dynamic run and Daniella de Oliveira, showing great composure, pounced on the rebound to net her first international goal and cut the deficit to one.
Buoyed by the goal, South Africa pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Poland held firm to clinch the victory and progress to the final four. South Africa, meanwhile, will take a rest day before turning their focus to the 5–8 classification bracket
photo credit FIH / World Sport Pics
