The South Africans produced a brave and committed performance against one of the tournament favourites. The team showed plenty of promise despite the disappointing result. 

It was a memorable occasion for newcomers Jared Cass and Kenton Melville, who both earned their first senior international caps for South Africa on a night they will never forget.

The last time the Nations Cup was played in South African was in 2022 in Potchefstroom. Photo: FIH

France made a lively start and thought they had won an early penalty corner, only for the decision to be overturned after a successful South African referral. The hosts soon settled into the contest, with debutant Melville making an immediate impact in attack, while goalkeeper Cullin de Jager was sharp between the posts to deny the visitors at the other end.

The French eventually broke the deadlock through Corentin Sellier, who finished clinically to put his side in front. South Africa responded in the best possible fashion when Melville marked his debut with a goal, getting the final touch after a brilliant run and delivery from Dayaan Cassiem.

Nic Spooner. Photo: FIH

The home supporters were soon on their feet again as South Africa grabbed the lead. A slick attacking move carved open the French defence before Carlon Mentoor hammered the ball into the roof of the net to hand the African champions a deserved 2–1 advantage.

With confidence growing and the crowd firmly behind them, South Africa carried that lead into the half-time break.

France emerged from the interval with renewed intensity and spent long periods camped inside the South African half. De Jager produced several outstanding saves to keep the hosts in front, but the pressure eventually paid off when Victor Charlet converted a penalty corner to level matters at 2–2.

South Africa threatened to hit back immediately on the counterattack, but a promising opportunity was squandered as the final touch sailed over the crossbar.

The decisive moments arrived in the final quarter. A green card for the hosts increased the pressure, although De Jager once again came to South Africa’s rescue with a superb double save from another French penalty corner.

Dayaan Cassiem. Photo: FIH

However, with just seven minutes remaining, Charlet struck for a second time. A well-worked penalty corner routine saw his effort find its way over the line to restore France’s advantage. The French defender then completed his hat-trick from a late penalty stroke, putting the result beyond doubt and securing a 4–2 victory for his side.

In Thursday’s other games, Ireland beat the USA, Korea edged Japan 1–0, while Malaysia thumped Scotland 5–2.  South Africa will be in action again on Saturday at 17:00 with the face the USA.

In Friday’s only games, Malaysia will take on Japan at 17:00, and the Black Sticks of New Zealand will face Scotland at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm