The Indian women’s hockey team registered a thrilling 6-3 victory in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024 Semi-Final against South Africa on Friday night.Akshata Abaso Dhekale (7’), Mariana Kujur (11’), Mumtaz Khan (21’), Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (23’), Jyoti Chhatri (25’), Ajima Kujur (26’) scored for India.
Meanwhile, Teshawn De La Rey (5’), Captain Toni Marks (8’), and Dirkie Chamberlain (29’) were on target for South Africa.South Africa began the first half with a disciplined defence, waiting for a chance to threaten the Indian goal. The game's first chance fell to South Africa but Indian goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu remained vigilant in goal.
As India struggled to create chances, it was a close-range reverse shot from South Africa’s Teshawn De La Rey that granted them the lead in the contest. Rutuja Dadaso Pisal looked to restore parity soon after but her shot sailed wide of the post.As India looked to equalise it was Akshata Abaso Dhekale who stepped into the last quarter of the pitch and let fly a bullet to beat South Africa’s goalie Grace Cochrane and bring India on level terms.
However, the respite was short-lived as South Africa’s Captain Toni Marks picked up a pass, dodged the keeper and found the back of the net to grant her team the lead again.India remained determined to get back on level terms and it wasn’t long before Mariana Kujur unleashed a rocket after chaos in front of the South African goal to make it 2-2.
South Africa started stronger in the second half, forcing Rajani into action once again but India remained resolute in defence.As the game progressed Rutuja found herself in front of the South African goal, with the keeper charging, she found Mumtaz Khan who passed the ball into the net to give India the lead in the contest.
Rutuja continued her excellent form as she shot past the keeper, off a deflected pass to double India’s lead.With South Africa pushing for a goal India looked to attack on the counter. With five minutes left in the game Jyoti Chhatri under pressure took a shot on goal which beat South Africa’s keeper Grace Cochrane and extended the team’s lead.
Indian men's hockey team registers 3-0 win over S Africa
The Indian men's hockey team continued their unbeaten run on the South Africa tour with a sensational 3-0 win over the hosts South Africa here on Friday night.Captain Harmanpreet Singh (2'), Abhishek (13'), and Sumit (30') were on the scoresheet for India in the match and helped the team set up the win.
The match began with India earning an early Penalty Corner and the skipper Harmanpreet raised his hand to take the set piece. With a powerful dragflick, Harmanpreet (2') found the back of the net as India took an early lead.With just a couple of minutes left in the first quarter, Abhishek (13') managed to make the most of an attacking move and struck one past South Africa goalkeeper to double India's lead.
Despite plenty of attacks from South Africa in the second quarter, India's defence maintained their composure and remained resolute in their determination to earn a clean sheet. Just at the stroke of halftime, Sumit (30') managed to score another field goal as India took a 3-0 lead.
South Africa started showcasing urgency after halftime, but the Indian defence continued to hold down the fort. The cagey third quarter saw plenty of action on both ends, but neither of the two teams was able to find the nets.
In the final 15 minutes of the game, South Africa continued their search for a goal, but India maintained a stronghold in the circle to avert the danger. As the final whistle was blown, India maintained their lead and picked up a comfortable 3-0 win.India will play their final game on the South Africa tour against the Netherlands on January 28.(UNI)
