The SPAR South African Indoor Hockey Women faced off against the hosts of the FIH Indoor World Cup Croatia in the 9-12 Playoffs looking to end a frustrating tournament on a high. It was a wonderful crowd as the hosts looked to spur their team on to a first ever victory against the African champions.
The opening ten minutes were tentative with few chances being presented as both teams looked to carry slight wounds from the group stages of the tournament. It was not surprising that the opening quarter produced no goals and it was a 0-0 score line at the first break.
The Africans were able to open the lead when Malikah Hamza was the first to react from a good piece of work by Laylaa Davids. The goal seemed to relax the South Africans who started playing some better continuation in possession. South Africa found a second through Kayla de Waal but she was ruled to have nicked it in on a back stick. As the umpire was playing an advantage a penalty stroke was awarded. Tegan Fourie stepped up but her shot was saved brilliantly by Andricic in goals. It remained 1-0 at half time.
South Africa found their second when player of the match, Daniella de Oliveira fired home from a penalty corner. Cailynn den Bakker would profit from a melee in the middle of circle and scooped it into the back of the net.
In the final quarter Fourie was given another opportunity to score from a stroke and this time went low to hit the backboard. Kayla de Waal would get her goal scoring twice in the last two minutes when Croatia pulled their keeper.
South Africa now face off against Australia in the fight for 9th place to wrap up their tournament.
by South Africa
