Before play got underway in Paris between South Africa and the USA, South Africa acknowledged Dirkie Chamberlain’s milestone 250th test cap. Chamberlain, who also represented South Africa at the 2012 Olympics, becomes the sixth South African woman to reach this milestone.
Both the USA and South Africa aimed to finish their tournament on a high note, having missed out on the quarter-finals. The USA, ranked five spots ahead of South Africa, were the favorites. The USA was awarded two contentious penalty corners in the opening 10 minutes, but both attempts were thwarted by South Africa’s solid defense. South Africa’s best chance of the opening quarter fell to Taheera Augousti, but her shot was off target.
In the second quarter, South Africa looked to create more opportunities but struggled to find results in the attacking third. Anelle Lloyd cut out a dangerous cross from the Americans, with both teams effectively canceling each other out, leading to a lack of goalmouth action. Taheera Augousti, looking the most likely to score for South Africa, drove in and fired a shot straight at the keeper, leaving the score goalless at the halftime break.
South Africa had a great chance in the second half when Onge Mali broke free down the side, but her double shot was saved. Meredith Sholder then opened the scoring for the USA from a penalty corner, diving in to deflect the ball past Anelle Lloyd. This pivotal moment took the score to 1-0 by the end of the third quarter.
Both teams received green cards early in the final quarter as the clock continued to tick. South Africa created good connections and were eventually rewarded with a penalty corner, thanks to Celia Seerane’s efforts. However, this attempt was saved, and a subsequent penalty corner a minute later saw the South Africans overcomplicate the play, failing to get a shot off.
In a last-ditch effort, South Africa pulled Anelle Lloyd off for the final three minutes to gain an extra outfield player. Despite their tremendous efforts, the South Africans were unable to capitalize, resulting in a narrow defeat.
Source: sahockey.co.za | August 3, 2024
