While the result was enough to secure progression on goal difference, the hosts were forced to endure a tense and emotional contest that went right down to the final whistle.

Ireland made a bright start and immediately tested the South African defence. An early penalty corner gave the visitors their first opportunity, but goalkeeper Cullin de Jager produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

Carlon Mentoor and Nic Spooner - World Sport Pics

The hosts responded with several promising attacks, with Dayaan Cassiem at the heart of much of South Africa’s creativity. His pace and skill caused problems for the Irish defence, but Ireland remained dangerous whenever they ventured forward.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock after winning another penalty corner. Although the initial attempt missed the target, South Africa failed to clear the danger and Daragh Walsh reacted quickest to score and hand Ireland a 1-0 lead.

South Africa gradually found their rhythm as Tevin Kok and Cassiem combined well in attack. Despite creating opportunities, the hosts were unable to find the finishing touch. Ireland nearly doubled their advantage late in the first quarter, but De Jager once again came to South Africa’s rescue with a crucial save.

The pressure from the hosts increased in the second quarter. Several penalty corners came and went as South Africa searched for an equaliser, while Ireland defended resolutely.

The breakthrough finally arrived when Hans Neethling delivered a dangerous ball into the circle. The Irish defence failed to deal with it and Kenton Melville was on hand to force the ball over the line. It was not the prettiest goal, but it brought South Africa level at 1-1 and injected fresh energy into the home side.

Despite continuing to dominate possession and territory before half-time, South Africa could not add a second goal, and the teams went into the break locked together.

Tevin Kok - World Sport Pics

The hosts made the perfect start to the second half. After earning a penalty corner, Carlon Mentoor stepped up and fired a precise effort into the bottom corner to put South Africa ahead for the first time in the match.

Ireland, however, refused to fade away. The visitors continued to threaten and were unfortunate not to equalise during a frantic goalmouth scramble. South Africa managed to survive the scare and carried a narrow 2-1 lead into the final quarter.

The drama escalated in the closing stages. Ireland levelled matters through Nelson, leaving South Africa’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging in the balance.

South Africa celebrating a goal against Ireland - World Sport Pics

With only three minutes remaining, Calvin Davis looked to have secured victory when he converted from a penalty corner to restore South Africa’s lead at 3-2.

There was still one final twist. Two late yellow cards left South Africa under immense pressure and Ireland took full advantage. Nelson struck again with less than a minute remaining to make it 3-3 and set up a frantic finish.

South Africa held firm through the remaining seconds, and the draw proved enough to send the hosts into the semi-finals on goal difference.

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixtures, with Korea facing Malaysia at 12:45 before New Zealand take on Japan at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport