The women’s side were beaten 6-1 by a clinical India at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, while the men surrendered a lead to lose 4-1 against Ireland in Wavre. The African champions, the South African women, entered their second Pool D match determined to bounce back after their opening loss to England, but India proved too sharp in attack. 

India took the lead in the 11th minute when Sunelita Toppo reacted quickest at the far post to finish off a move developed down the left.

Stephanie Botha. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

The advantage was doubled in the 18th minute when Navneet Kaur fired a powerful low effort from a penalty-corner variation.

India continued to dominate from set pieces and added a third in the 25th minute. Sushila Chanu pounced after Deepika’s drag flick had been blocked, leaving India 3-0 ahead at half-time.

South Africa showed greater attacking intent after the interval, but Deepika extended India’s lead with an excellent reverse-stick finish in the 38th minute.

Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rana then added two more goals late in the third quarter, leaving India 6-0 ahead.

South Africa continued searching for a breakthrough and finally got their reward in the 55th minute. Hannah Pearce’s penalty-corner drag flick deflected off the Indian runner before Kayla de Waal reacted sharply to score from close range.

India comfortably closed out the match to claim a 6-1 victory and move to four points in Pool D alongside China.

Mustapha and Dayaan Cassiem. Dayaan played in his 100th Test for South Africa. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

China’s earlier 4-2 win over England means South Africa can no longer finish in the top two. The women now face China on Thursday at 09:30, with a strong performance needed to build confidence ahead of the classification phase.

The men’s team suffered a similarly frustrating result against Ireland, despite taking the lead early in the second half.

The match was particularly significant for captain Dayaan Cassiem, who earned his 100th international cap almost 10 years after making his senior debut.

Both teams had lost their opening matches 3-1, making the encounter crucial. Neither could break the deadlock during the opening 30 minutes.

South Africa eventually found the breakthrough in the 37th minute when Kenton Melville produced a spectacular deflection to put his side 1-0 ahead.

However, the lead lasted only five minutes before Benjamin Walker restored parity. Ireland then took control in the final quarter. Lee Cole put them ahead from a penalty corner in the 48th minute and added another seven minutes later.

Ireland scored all four of their goals in the last 18 minutes of the Test. Photo: World Sport Pics/FIH

South Africa were left frustrated after being awarded a penalty stroke, only for the decision to be overturned following a referral. With the Africans chasing the game, Sam Hyland added a fourth from open play to seal the 4-1 victory.

The result leaves South Africa unable to reach the second round of the championship phase. They will instead enter the 9th-16th classification phase.

Before then, South Africa face Australia in their final Pool C match on Thursday at 11:00, with another opportunity to build momentum before the classification matches.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh