The South African Hockey Women’s team were looking to bounce back from their first-round defeat, when they faced off against the Netherlands at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, on Tuesday, 6 February 2023.
The host nation got off to a shaky start when the Netherlands’ IMHOF Pam scored the opening goal of the game in the 6th minute.
In the second quarter of the match, the 14th ranked team got back into the game as Seerane Ceila found the back of the net for the equalizing goal. The rest of the quarter was an evenly matched one, with neither side managing to add onto the goals, taking a one all score line into half time break.
In the third quarter the host nation’s defense was tested on several occasions but goalkeeper Nepo Serage stood firm, keeping the ladies in the game.
From a short corner, SA Captain Jess O’Connor had an opportunity to take the lead for the home side but her shot went narrowly wide.
Following O’Connor’s attempt, the Netherlands made no mistake on their end and re-took the lead through Eva van’t Hoog, in the 26th minute.
The visiting team went into the final quarter with immense confidence with van’t Hoog quickly getting her brace to give the visitors a 3-1 win.
Speaking after the defeat, O’Connor said to gsport: “I’m so proud of my girls. We knew we had to come out today and play with our full hearts and fight for each other and that’s exactly what we did.
“We fought until the very last second. Even though things did not go our way in the end, we are happy with our efforts.”
Meanwhile SA Women’s Head Coach Lennie Botha added: “I’m so proud of the girls today for the way that they played against this a world class team such as the Netherlands, who have played in four world cups.”
The South African Women’s team will be looking to bounce back when they take on the United States at the Heartfelt Arena on Wednesday, 7 February 2023.
Photo 1 Caption: South Africa will be looking for their first win against the United States following a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. Photo: FIH Hockey
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