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Hockeyroos edge defiant South Africa─── MORGAN PIEK 15:13 Sun, 28 Jul 2024

“We fought hard and put in a massive performance. We put out a marker and we competed with a very good side. I am very proud of my team and we will work on the points we need to, ahead of the next game.”
The South African women’s hockey team turned in a big performance against Australia in Paris on Sunday to open their 2024 Olympic Games campaign, but it was just not enough to make more history.
Australia won the thrilling match 2-1, but South Africa was exceptional against the world number five, and perhaps with a bit of luck, they could have claimed the three points.
‘We are disappointed to not have earned the result’
In the 14th minute of the encounter, Kayla de Waal created history by becoming the first South African woman to score a goal against Australia at the Olympics.
De Waal’s field goal opened the scoring in Paris and put South Africa in the lead, but it was short-lived as a minute into the second quarter, Stephanie Kershaw levelled matters from a penalty corner for the Hockeyroos at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
At halftime, the Pool B match was deadlocked at 1-1.
Antonet Louw of Bloemfontein. Photo: FIH
Five minutes before the end of the third quarter, Australia grabbed the lead with Tatum Stewart scoring the winning goal from a penalty corner. The win saw Australia retaining their unbeaten status at the Olympics against South Africa and they now have four wins from four outings.
The South African captain Erin Christie said it was no doubt disappointing not being able to win, but it does give them confidence as we advance.
“We are disappointed to not have earned the result,” said Christie.
Credit to the South African goalkeeper
“We fought hard and put in a massive performance. We put out a marker and we competed with a very good side. I am very proud of my team and we will work on the points we need ahead of the next game.”
South Africa had their fair share of chances, but the experienced Australians never panicked in defence. Credit must go to the South African goalkeeper, Anele Lloyd, who was brilliant in the last line of defence and her effort led to the scoring not running away from them.
On Monday at 17:30, South Africa will face Argentina in their second Pool B game.
OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh