South Africa fell 5-2 to India in the opening Test of the SPAR SA Hockey vs India Series, despite a spirited performance in front of a packed Maties crowd in Stellenbosch. The African Champions, playing their first home game since lifting the African Cup of Nations, introduced four new internationals in Viwe Mbata, Thabang Jeyi, Michael Horan and Tevin Petersen, adding an exciting layer of fresh energy to the occasion.
South Africa were combative from the first whistle and struck the early blow. Mustapha Cassiem, given a sliver of space, produced one of those trademark surges into the circle before finishing superbly to ignite the home crowd. India responded quickly, capitalising on a defensive lapse as Lakra pounced to level matters. And just before the end of the opening quarter, Lalage showed his sharpness to turn the game around and give the Asian Champions a 2-1 lead.
Trailing by one at half-time, the hosts came out with real purpose. Captain Dayaan Cassiem came close to restoring parity, before South Africa deservedly found their equaliser. Mustapha Cassiem once again made something out of nothing and debutant Viwe Mbata reacted brilliantly to knock home his first international goal and level the score at 2-2.
But in the final quarter the world’s third-ranked side showed their class. India found their rhythm, controlled the tempo, and punished South Africa with clinical precision. Rohidas, Harmanpreet and Dilpreet all found the back of the net as India closed out the match 5-2.
Both teams now shift to Hartleyvale for the second Test on Monday night at 19:00, where South Africa will look to build on the positives and continue bedding in their exciting new talent.
