The SA Women’s Hockey Team and the Canada Women’s Hockey Team played out a hard fought 0–0 draw in the second match of their five game series at HS Menlopark in Pretoria, in a contest defined by intensity, defensive discipline and near misses at both ends.
The match was a special occasion for several players in green and gold. Nomsa Mzizi and Richele Norval earned their senior international debuts, while Stephanie Botha celebrated a major milestone as she brought up her 50th cap for South Africa.
South Africa started the match with positive intent. An early attack down the left saw a dangerous cross take a deflection and flash just out of reach of Thati Zulu in the middle of the circle. The hosts looked to exploit counterattacking opportunities but struggled to make the final connection, while Canada also battled to find rhythm against a well organised South African defence. Despite SA enjoying slightly more territory, the first quarter ended goalless.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Canada earned a penalty corner, but it was well defended by the South African runners. Moments later, South Africa broke beautifully through midfield, only for the final pass to evade the forwards in the circle. A golden opportunity arrived when a South African shot struck a defender, with an initial stroke decision downgraded to a penalty corner after discussion. The resulting effort went narrowly wide, and the teams headed into half time locked at 0–0.
South Africa came out strongly after the break. Stephanie Botha fired a penalty corner inches wide, before Canada threatened on the counter, only to be denied by solid defensive work from the hosts. A sensational team move then carved Canada open, but Thati Zulu’s final effort was well saved. The pressure continued to build as South Africa won another penalty corner, this time after the ball struck a defender’s foot in the circle, but Botha again went close as her shot shaved the left post.
The final quarter saw both teams push for a breakthrough. An early South African penalty corner saw Hannah Pearce’s flick saved, and a series of half chances followed at both ends. Despite the growing urgency, neither side could find a decisive touch in the circle, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
After a win in the opening test and a draw in the second, the series remains finely poised. The teams will return to action for the third test on Sunday at 10:00, with both sides eager to turn pressure into goals as the series continues.
