The SPAR South African Women’s Indoor Hockey team produced a spirited final-quarter fightback but fell just short against Namibia, losing 4–3 in the second Test in Windhoek on Saturday afternoon.
Trailing 4–1 heading into the closing quarter, South Africa struck twice to bring themselves within one goal. Namibia nevertheless held on to take a 2–0 lead in the five-match series.
The hosts made an early breakthrough through Jivanka Kruger in the second minute, before Azaylee Philander converted a penalty corner in the 12th to double their advantage.
Elizabeth Porter opened South Africa’s account for the series with a penalty-corner goal in the 20th minute, reducing the deficit to 2–1 at halftime and keeping the visitors firmly in contention.
Namibia pulled away again late in the third quarter. Captain Sunelle Pretorius scored from open play in the 28th minute, before Abigail Rowles added a penalty-corner goal in the 30th to establish a three-goal cushion.
South Africa responded through Edith Molikoe, whose field goal in the 33rd minute reduced the arrears. Tegan Fourie then converted a penalty stroke in the 37th, setting up a tight finish with the score at 4–3.
There was no further breakthrough, leaving South Africa with a narrow defeat despite winning the final quarter 2–0.
After being held scoreless in the opening Test, the visitors found goals from a penalty corner, open play and a penalty stroke. That variety, together with their late response, offers encouragement as they look to turn a competitive second encounter into a winning performance.
