South Africa’s Hockey Men secured the series against Malaysia after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the fourth test, played in pouring rain in KwaZulu-Natal.
Photo – ACK Sport Photography
Captain Dayaan Cassiem led South Africa out in his 99th test for his country, while Malaysia also celebrated a milestone as Shello Silverius reached his 100th international cap.
South Africa endured the worst possible start as Malaysia struck twice in the opening quarter. Azimuddin Kamaruddin opened the scoring from a penalty corner, before Anuar doubled the visitors’ advantage with a strong finish to give Malaysia a 2-0 lead.
The hosts responded in the second quarter through Trevor de Lora, who produced an outstanding instinctive finish into the back of the net. It was struck with superb power and marked De Lora’s first international goal on home soil, a moment he celebrated with clear delight.
Despite South Africa beginning to dominate more of the contest, Malaysia held onto their advantage at the break, leading 2-1 at half-time.
Early in the second half, parity was restored. Sihle Ngubane, enjoying a purple patch for the national team, received the ball in a dangerous area and unleashed a hard slap finish that smashed into the back of the net to bring South Africa level.
With 10 minutes remaining, the game was locked at 2-2 and South Africa needed something special to underline their growing dominance. They found it through a brilliant counterattack.
Viwe Mbata fed Mustapha Cassiem, and South Africa’s main man did the rest. Cassiem shaped to shoot, sold the defender with a clever fake, and then fired a bullet into the net to give South Africa the lead.
But, disappointingly for the hosts, Malaysia struck late once again. The visitors won a penalty corner, and Azrai produced a superb deflection to level the match and secure a 3-3 draw.
While South Africa will be frustrated not to have closed out the victory, the result was enough to seal the series ahead of Sunday’s final test. After four matches, South Africa lead the series 2-0, with two wins and two draws.
