The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team kept their five-match series against Namibia alive with a determined 2–1 victory in the evening’s third Test, after narrowly losing the afternoon encounter 4–3, at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The results leave Namibia leading the series 2–1 heading into Sunday’s final two matches. South Africa will need to win both remaining Tests to claim the series.
Saturday’s second Test saw South Africa produce a spirited late fightback after Namibia established a 4–1 lead.
Jivanka Kruger opened the scoring in the second minute before Azaylee Philander doubled Namibia’s advantage from a penalty corner in the 12th. Elizabeth Porter pulled a goal back with a penalty-corner conversion in the 20th minute, leaving South Africa trailing 2–1 at half-time.
Namibia regained control late in the third quarter. Captain Sunelle Pretorius scored in the 28th minute before Abigail Rowles converted a penalty corner two minutes later to give the hosts a three-goal cushion.
Jamie Southgate Leads Experienced Core into Namibia Test Series
Four Debutants Named in Indoor Hockey Squad for Namibia Test Series 2026
Celia Seerane Seals It as Northern Blues Lift Historic Maiden Indoor IPT Trophy
Western Province and Northerns Blues March into SA Indoor Hockey IPT Final
Northern Blues and Western Province Lead Charge into SA Indoor IPT Semi-Finals
Day One Delivers Goals, Drama and Early Statements at the SA Indoor Hockey IPT
South Africa responded strongly in the final quarter. Edith Molikoe scored from open play in the 33rd minute, and Tegan Fourie converted a penalty stroke in the 37th to reduce the deficit to a single goal. However, Namibia held on to secure their second victory of the series.
The evening encounter brought a different outcome as South Africa overturned a half-time deficit for their first win of the weekend.
Philander marked her 50th international indoor appearance for Namibia, and the hosts took the lead through Rowles in the 15th minute. The opening goal was disputed, with the ball appearing not to have fully crossed the line, but the decision stood and Namibia led 1–0 at the break.
South Africa’s equaliser arrived in the 24th minute when Anja Tromp converted a penalty corner for her first international indoor goal.
Goalkeeper Manisha Desai then made a crucial contribution, saving Philander’s penalty stroke to keep the scores level.
Namibia’s discipline proved costly as the hosts accumulated five yellow cards, including two for Jahntwa Kruger. South Africa also had Tromp temporarily suspended, but Namibia’s repeated suspensions disrupted their efforts during a decisive second half.
Ronnel Donnelly Treble Hands Banyana Banyana First-Leg Lead
Leila Grögli Double Sinks South Africa in Opening Indoor Test
Laura Wolvaardt Leads Titans into Gauteng Derby Against Lions
Jamie Southgate Leads Experienced Core into Namibia Test Series
Olympic Return Target as Banyana Banyana Prepare for Madagascar
Abigayel Vosloo Claims Women’s Open Crown at Amex Tshwane Super 8
With three minutes remaining, South Africa moved the ball quickly and worked it to Cerian Fourie, who finished to give the visitors a 2–1 lead. Namibia withdrew their goalkeeper for the final two minutes in pursuit of an equaliser, but South Africa held firm to complete the comeback.
After two defeats to start the series, the victory gives head coach Calvin Price’s team an opportunity to challenge for the honours on the final day. Tromp’s breakthrough goal, Desai’s important save and Cerian Fourie’s late winner ensured there is still everything to play for on Sunday.
The final two Tests will be streamed live on Gravity’s YouTube channel.
The Namibia vs. South Africa Women’s Indoor Hockey Test Series at the Sports Facilitation Centre, Windhoek Showgrounds from 9 to 11 October 2026
Fri 9 Oct, 19h00: Namibia 3–0 South Africa, Namibia scorers: Leila Grögli (13′, 24′), Amber Dercksen (34’)
Sat 10 Oct, 12h00: Namibia 4-3 South Africa, Namibia scorers: Jivanka Kruger (2′), Azaylee Philander (12′), Sunelle Pretorius (28′), Abigail Rowles (30’); South Africa scorers: Elizabeth Porter (20′), Edith Molikoe (33′), Tegan Fourie (37’)
Sat 10 Oct, 19h30: Namibia 1-2 South Africa, Namibia scorer: Abigail Rowles (15’); South Africa scorers: Anja Tromp (24′), Cerian Fourie (37’)
Sun 11 Oct, 11h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 4
Sun 11 Oct, 17h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 5
Series score: Namibia lead 2–1.
Original Copy: SA Hockey, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team kept its five-match Test series against Namibia alive, with Anja Tromp and Cerian Fourie scoring in a 2-1 win after a 4-3 defeat earlier in the day, at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, 10 October 2026. All Photos: Namibia Hockey
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
