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South Africa shine in Hockey World Cup classification battles─── MORGAN PIEK 07:59 Mon, 24 Aug 2026
South Africa enjoyed a strong day in the classification phase of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with the women’s side claiming a thrilling 3–2 victory over Chile before the men were held to a dramatic 3–3 draw by Malaysia.
The women produced a determined comeback at the Wagener Hockey Stadium to secure their first win of the tournament.
Chile started brightly and took the lead in the 13th minute when captain Manuela Urroz converted a penalty corner. South Africa responded with growing purpose and were rewarded in the second quarter.
South Africa celebrating the matching winning goal by Caylin Maree. Photo: FIH/World Sport Pics
Captain Edith Molikoe showed excellent composure to win possession and finish superbly in the 22nd minute, restoring parity before half-time.
The African champions then completed the turnaround ten minutes after the restart. Ntsopa Mokoena was on hand to finish from close range after Kayla de Waal’s initial effort was denied, giving the forward her second goal in as many matches.
Caylin Maree added another three minutes into the final quarter, finishing off a fine attacking move involving De Waal to put South Africa 3–1 ahead.
Chile refused to go quietly, and Simone Avelli pulled a goal back in the 51st minute, setting up a nervy final period. South Africa held their shape and defended resolutely to secure a deserved victory.
The result means the women remain unbeaten in the classification phase after their 1–1 draw with Japan and gives them valuable momentum heading into their final match. Their eventual position, and likely place in the 13th-place playoff, will be determined by other results.
The men also appeared destined for victory before Malaysia struck in the final minute to force a 3–3 draw at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.
Veteran Nic Spooner’s goal being celebrated with Mustapha Cassiem. Photo: FIH/World Sport Pics
Malaysia took the lead through Abu Kamal Azrai in the 14th minute, but South Africa hit back through Luke Wynford three minutes after the restart.
Azrai restored Malaysia’s advantage with a superb penalty-corner deflection, only for Nic Spooner to level matters in the 28th minute with a brilliant individual finish.
Mustapha Cassiem then put South Africa ahead for the first time in the 43rd minute, producing a moment of individual brilliance to make it 3–2.
South Africa defended their lead throughout the final quarter and looked set to follow their 3–1 win over France with another important victory.
But Malaysia had the final say. Faizal Saari capitalised on a loose ball in the South African circle in the 60th minute to snatch a 3–3 draw and ensure the points were shared.
The men remain unbeaten in the classification phase after taking four points from their matches against France and Malaysia, with their final position dependent on the outcome of later matches.
