Day Three of the Nkosi Cup 2025 delivered decisive moments, dramatic finishes and statement performances as the group stages reached their conclusion. There were battles for top spot, Semi-Final places confirmed, and individual brilliance on display as the tournament moved firmly into its business end.
Women’s Group Stage
Namibia 2–2 Australia
One of the games of the tournament unfolded in the women’s competition as Namibia and Australia went head-to-head in a pulsating contest for top spot. Australia struck first through Brooke Welsh after a high press forced a turnover, before doubling their lead minutes later as Caitlin Burns finished from a scramble in the circle.
Namibia were eventually rewarded for their persistence when Kiana-Che Cormack pulled one back, finishing a well-worked move after a smart pass from Danje Meyer to breathe life into the contest. Australia goalkeeper Emma Leighton then produced a string of outstanding saves to keep her side in front.
However, Namibia found their moment in the final minute. Amber Dercksen arrived at the back post to slot home the equaliser, ensuring the points were shared at the end of a thrilling encounter.
Player of the Match: Emma Leighton (Australia)
Men’s Group Stage
Namibia 6–3 New Zealand
New Zealand arrived fresh off a six-point day and eager to stake their claim as genuine Nkosi Cup contenders, but were met by a determined Namibian side. The opening quarter was a remarkable see-saw affair as Dylan Finch and Shayan Azadeh scored for Namibia, only for Luka Clark and Benedict van Woerkom to respond for New Zealand.
Clark added his second in the second quarter, giving New Zealand a 3–2 lead at halftime, a margin they successfully defended through the third quarter with a disciplined defensive display.
The final quarter, however, belonged to Namibia. Delron Handura levelled before captain Pieter Jacobs struck the go-ahead goal. Jacobs then added a second to open daylight, and Finch rounded off the scoring to complete a convincing finish to a contest that was far tighter than the final score suggests.
Player of the Match: Pieter Jacobs (Namibia)
Women’s Group Stage
South Africa 12–0 Zimbabwe
The SPAR South Africa women responded emphatically to their defeat against Australia, producing a dominant display against Zimbabwe to secure their place in the Semi-Finals. A blistering opening quarter set the tone as Ashleigh Thomas scored her first international goal, Malikah Hamza netted twice, and Jess Lardant also grabbed a brace to establish a commanding 5–0 lead.
Sixteen-year-old Chelsey Woolf added her maiden international goal to make it 6–0 at halftime. Daniella de Oliveira, earning her 50th cap, joined the scoresheet after the break before Hamza completed her second Nkosi Cup hat-trick.
South Africa continued to press in the final quarter as Tatum Kroutz struck twice, Cerian Fourie added her name to the scoresheet, and De Oliveira completed the rout to seal a comprehensive 12–0 victory.
Player of the Match: Malikah Hamza (South Africa)
Men’s Group Stage
South Africa 5–2 Australia
South Africa marked the Cassiem brothers’ 50th milestone caps with an outstanding performance against Australia in Sunday’s evening clash. Mustapha Cassiem opened the scoring in the ninth minute from the penalty stroke, before showcasing his brilliance moments later to double the lead.
Australia responded just before halftime as tournament top scorer Aiden Dooley pulled one back. But the second half belonged firmly to Cassiem, who completed a remarkable seventh Nkosi Cup hat-trick, a feat unmatched by any other player in the tournament’s history.
Cassiem made it 4–1 in the final quarter before Luke Randle briefly gave Australia hope. As the Australians pushed forward, space opened up and Cassiem completed his fifth of the match late on to seal a statement victory for the defending champions.
Player of the Match: Mustapha Cassiem (South Africa)
