The semi-final carried enormous significance. New Zealand arrived in Cape Town ranked 11th in the world and unbeaten in the history of the Nations Cup. South Africa, meanwhile, faced the challenge without two of their key attacking threats in Nic Spooner and Mustapha Cassiem.

There was added intrigue on the sidelines, with former South African goal-scoring great Greg Nicol leading the Black Sticks as coach.

South Africa during the national anthem - World Sport Pics

The visitors made the brighter start on the scoreboard. South Africa created an early opportunity when Carlon Mentoor tested goalkeeper Dominic Dixon from a penalty corner, but the New Zealand shot-stopper came up with the save.

Soon afterwards, the Black Sticks earned a penalty corner of their own and made it count. Kane Russell unleashed a powerful drag flick into the back of the net to hand New Zealand a 1-0 lead.

While South Africa enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening quarter, they struggled to turn territorial dominance into clear scoring opportunities and trailed at the first break.

The hosts found their rhythm in the second quarter and began applying sustained pressure. A series of penalty corners followed as South Africa searched for a way back into the contest.

Their reward eventually came through Calvin Davis, who fired home from a penalty corner to level the scores at 1-1 and spark celebrations among the home supporters.

The equaliser was fully deserved after South Africa’s determined efforts and the sides headed into the halftime break deadlocked.

Cullin de Jager was the hero for the Proteas - World Sport Pics

The third quarter produced one of the moments of the tournament. Jamie Seale launched a brilliant run down the right flank, driving forward with pace and purpose before delivering a superb pass into the circle.

Kenton Melville timed his run perfectly and finished clinically to give South Africa a 2-1 lead. It was the local star’s fourth goal in as many matches and sent the Hartleyvale crowd into raptures.

New Zealand responded strongly and piled on the pressure. South Africa were forced to defend for long periods, with goalkeeper Cullin de Jager producing several key saves to keep the hosts in front.

Kenton Melville celebrating his fourth goal in four games for South Africa - World Sport Pics

The Black Sticks eventually found an equaliser in the final quarter. Following a broken penalty-corner routine, the South African defence failed to clear the danger and Fin Ward reacted quickest to deflect the ball home and make it 2-2.

Both teams pushed hard for a winner during a tense closing period, but neither side could find the decisive touch, sending the semi-final to a shootout.

That was when De Jager took centre stage. The South African goalkeeper delivered a remarkable performance under pressure, saving all four New Zealand attempts to leave the home crowd on its feet.

At the other end, Niel Raath and Hans Neethling kept their composure to convert their chances and secure a famous victory for the hosts.

As the final save sparked wild celebrations, South Africa sealed their place in Saturday’s Nations Cup final against France. Earlier in the day France booked their spot in the final with a 3-2 win over Japan in the first semi-final.

Saturday’s final at Hartleyvale will get underway at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport