Proteas miss out on semi-final berth after defeat

WHILE the South African women’s hopes of reaching the Hockey World League Finals were dashed following a 1-0 defeat to Germany, they are still in for a shout to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

The Proteas will be ruing the lost opportunities they had to, not only to force the stalemate, but to clinch a victory to reach the semi-finals.

With six penalty corners going the way of South Africa and nine shots on goal, the home side had ample opportunity to seal a victory. opportunities.

They had their best chance in the 25th minute when Julia Ciupka in goal managed to keep a reverse stick shot from Jayde Mayne.

With a minute left in the half, Germany broke the deadlock when Camille Nobis scored against the run of play after a period of South African dominance.

South Africa had a golden opportunity to equalise shortly after the break when they were rewarded a penalty corner but despite a two-onone Sulette Damons could not control the ball with the keeper neutralising the threat.

In the 50th minute, Candice Manuel made another strong charge at goal when she received the ball from Ilse Davids but her flick over the keeper’s head went wide to deny her the goal.

The closing stages of the match provided for some high drama with Germany hitting the ball of the goal-box with two minutes from time.