The penultimate test matches of the African Hockey Indoor Test Series in Windhoek took place this evening with Namibia women wrapping up the series and South Africa taking the lead in the men’s series.
Women’s Fourth Test: Namibia 4-4 South Africa
Despite a sterling fight back to draw the fourth test the South Africans could not deny Namibia their first ever series victory against the South Africans. Congratulations to Namibia.
It started well enough for the South Africans when Kayla de Waal reacted quickest and fired the visitors into the lead. But before half time that led was wiped away by series star Azaylee Philander netted a quick brace and took the Namibians into a half-time lead. 2-1.
Caitlin Gillies extended that lead to two when she scored her first of the series, but de Waal closed the gap back to 1 with her second of the game. The South Africans were tearing forward, but an error gave the ball to Namibian captain Maggie Mengo, and she fired home.
South Africa pulled Nepo Serage out of goals and went in search of a comeback in the game. Southgate pulled one back before Lardant levelled. Serage was subbed back on to defend a penalty stroke and she did. The South Africans asked questions, but the Namibians answered and secured a first ever series win.
Men’s Fourth Test: Namibia 3-7 South Africa
It was an ill-tempered game in the fourth test between the South Africans and the Namibians that saw several cards issued and at times threatened to overshadow a fierce game between the two World Cup bound nations.
Namibia struck the first goal of the game with a variation from the penalty corner to give the hosts the lead. From there though the South Africans started to dominate the game and create far more opportunities. They levelled the game thanks to a blistering shot from Spencer Botes. Mustapha Cassiem then showed his class and quick thinking to net two field goals with quick hands and good movement. HE had a chance to complete the hat-trick but fired his stroke wide, but his brother Dayaan took the next stroke and managed to force it past Strauss.
Strauss was in good form in goal for the Namibians but a wonderful turn and spin from Dalpiarro Langford was too hot for him to handle and it nestled into the goal to give the South Africans a 5-1 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Another penalty stroke when the ball hit the foot of Liam Hermanus on the line and Dayaan made it 6-1 for the African Champs. Dylan Finch pulled one back for the Namibians with 6 minutes remaining. David Britz made it 6-3 from a penalty corner to raise flutters but it felt like time was running out for the hosts and it proved to be as the visitors added a final goal of the game through Dayaan to complete the game with a 7-3 scoreline, mirroring the score of the third test this morning.