The FIH Nations Cup 2 came to a close in disappointing fashion for the South African Women, who were edged by Malaysia in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in the 7th-place playoff. Having beaten the same opponents earlier in the tournament, the result was a bitter pill to swallow for the African champions.
South Africa’s campaign had been marked by frustration in front of goal, and that trend continued on the final day. Despite controlling large spells of the game and dominating the midfield, their inability to convert chances proved costly once again.
The first half was goalless, though not without opportunity. Quanita Bobbs forced a save with a powerful effort, before Onthatile Zulu’s thunderous strike rattled the crossbar. Malaysia created little in response, with a tame penalty corner comfortably saved.
Zulu continued to ask questions of the defence, creating a golden chance for Ntsopa Mokoena who couldn’t find the finish. Kayla de Waal rounded the keeper but lost her footing at the decisive moment, leaving head coach Inky Zondi with hands on head in disbelief.
The third quarter was much of the same. South Africa earned three penalty corners but couldn’t capitalize. Bobbs came close again, flashing her shot just wide.
Against the run of play, it was Malaysia who struck first. A diving deflection from Nur Azhar in the final quarter evaded the reach of Mishka Dimba to give the Asian side the lead. But South Africa found a response, showing resilience through Charne Maddocks, who lifted a calm finish over the keeper to level matters.
In the shootout, South Africa struck first—Bobbs scored and Marlise van Tonder made a superb save. But Malaysia pulled level after a miss from Cerian Fourie, and the drama intensified. Zulu kept South Africa in it, but Daniella de Oliveira’s successful attempt came just after the buzzer and was ruled out. Despite Fourie converting her second, Malaysia responded again and ultimately secured the shootout victory.
It was a campaign of fine margins and frustration for the South Africans, who leave the Nations Cup knowing they created enough—but just didn’t finish enough.
