South Africa were left ruing missed chances as Malaysia capitalized on key moments to seal a 4-2 victory in the 5–8 playoff bracket at the FIH Nations Cup 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on Friday morning.
Both teams would have hoped for better fortunes in the tournament, but with pride and placement on the line, it was a cagey start from both sides. South Africa drew first blood in terms of chances, winning an early penalty corner. Calvin Davis’s deflected effort had the beating of the keeper but not the post, as it ricocheted away to safety.
Davis was in the thick of the action again moments later, forcing a save from the Malaysian keeper, with Sam Mvimbi’s follow-up narrowly missing the target. Malaysia responded with a penalty corner of their own, but Mvimbi was on hand at the other end to clear off the line and keep the scores level.
Reuben Sendzul nearly broke the deadlock after a slick passing move, but his shot crept just wide. However, with six seconds left in the quarter, South Africa conceded a soft penalty corner, and Syed Cholan made no mistake, giving Malaysia a 1-0 lead at the first break.
In the second quarter, South Africa looked to unlock the Malaysian defence with patient build-up play, while the hosts remained dangerous on the counter. Just before halftime, a lapse at the back from Malaysia gifted Angelo Walstroom an opening, and he pounced with precision to level matters at 1-1 going into the break.
South Africa looked to take the initiative in the second half, but a turnover at the back saw Shafiq intercept and rifle in a goal to restore the Malaysian advantage. Walstroom nearly pulled one back after being picked out by Sendzul, but on the stretch, his shot was off-target. The miss proved costly as Malaysia surged forward and Anuar finished well past Estiaan Kriek to make it 3-1.
Marvin Simons sparked hope for South Africa with a tenacious run that earned a penalty corner. Carlon Mentoor stepped up and delivered, reducing the deficit to 3-2. But Malaysia responded almost instantly, punishing South Africa’s failure to clear the ball as they restored their two-goal cushion.
Despite a determined late push, the South Africans were unable to breach a disciplined Malaysian defence and will now contest the 7th/8th place playoff on the final day of the tournament.
image: FIH / World Sport Pics
