South Africa produced a determined comeback to defeat Chile 3–2, securing their first victory of the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
Chile made the brighter start and opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Fernanda Arrieta converted a penalty corner, giving the South Americans a 1–0 advantage at the first break.
The African champions responded strongly in the second quarter. Captain Edith Molikoe led from the front, finding the equaliser with a brilliant steal and better finish in the middle of the park in the 22nd minute to send the teams into half-time level at 1–1.
South Africa carried that momentum into the second half and moved ahead for the first time in the 35th minute.
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Ntsopa Mokoena, who had also scored against Japan, converted from a close range after a lovely piece of work from Kayla de Waal was denied. It was two in two for Mokoena, but this one was significantly easier than the goal against Japan.
The decisive moment arrived three minutes into the final quarter. Caylin Maree finished clinically from a brilliant run from de Waal, spooning her finish past the Chilean defence to stretch South Africa’s advantage to 3–1 and give Inky Zondi’s side some valuable breathing room.
Chile refused to surrender and pulled one back through Simone Avelli in the 51st minute, setting up a tense finish. South Africa were forced to defend with discipline through the closing stages but held firm to secure a deserved 3–2 victory.
The result extends South Africa’s unbeaten run in the classification phase following their 1–1 draw against Japan and gives the team a significant boost ahead of their final classification encounter.
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South Africa will likely play in the 13th place playoff against either Ireland, Scotland, or USA, to be confirmed after Monday’s Pool H results.
South Africa Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool G Playoff Match on Sunday, 23 August 2026
Full-time: Chile 2–3 South Africa
South Africa: Edith Molikoe (22’), Ntsopa Mokoena (35’), Caylin Maree (48’)
Chile: Fernanda Arrieta (13’), Simone Avelli (51’)
South Africa Women’s Pool D FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands
Sun 16 August: England 4-0 South Africa
Tue 18 August: South Africa 1-6 India
Thu 20 August: South Africa 1-5 China
South Africa Women’s Pool G FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Match Record at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands
Fri 21 August: Japan 1-1 South Africa (Match 25)
Sun 23 August: South Africa 3-2 Chile (Match 33)
Tue 27 August (TBC): Classification match (Position determined by Pool G final standings)
South Africa Squad List
1. Morgan de Jager (Goalkeeper)
2. Stephanie Botha
3. Edith Molikoe (Captain)
4. Taheera Augousti
5. Ané Janse van Vuuren
6. Shanna Mendonca
7. Onthatile Zulu
8. Bianca Wood
9. Ntsopa Mokoena
10. Paris-Gail Isaacs
11. Lerato Mahole
12. Baylee Engelke
13. Caylin Maree
14. Hannah Pearce
15. Jean-Leigh du Toit
16. Cailynn den Bakker
17. Kayla de Waal
18. Marlise van Tonder (Goalkeeper)
Coach: Inky Zondi
Manager: Tarryn McCreedy
Chile Squad List
3. Fernanda Villagran
4. Domenica Ananias
5. Denise Rojas Losada
6. Fernanda Flores
7. Sofia Filipek
8. Maria Maldonado
9. Fernanda Arrieta
10. Manuela Urroz (Captain)
13. Antonia Orchard
15. Simone Avelli
16. Constanza Palma
17. Francisca Irazoqui
18. Laura Müller
19. Agustina Solano
22. Paula Valdivia
23. Florencia Barrios
28. Natalia Salvador (Goalkeeper)
29. Antonia Saez (Goalkeeper)
Coach: Cristóbal Rodríguez
Manager: Esteban Krainz
Main Photo Caption: South Africa produced a determined comeback to defeat Chile 3–2, securing their first victory of the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Sunday, 23 August 2026. All Photos: FIH / World Sports Pics
Photo 2 Caption: SA skipper Edith Molikoe opened scoring for South Africa with a field goal in the 22nd minute to level scores against Chile on Sunday.
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