In front of a wonderful crowd at the University of Pretoria Sport grounds, the South African Hockey Men put on a fine display to confirm their participation in the final of the African Hockey Road to Paris.
The South Africans already knew the opponent for the potential final would be the old rivals Egypt who had earlier beaten Uganda 9-1. The South Africans were keen to give a Friday night crowd a party atmosphere and Ryan Julius started the party with a rebound after Bili Ntuli shot was saved. Benjamin Acquah was simply sublime in goals for Ghana keeping the score at 1-0 for 20 minutes.
The score was doubled when Matt Guise-Brown penalty corner was deflected home. The South African attack then combined for two incredible goals. The first saw Dayaan Cassiem lay the ball off for Bili Ntuli to smash it home. Then Mustapha Cassiem played a pin perfect aerial which Tevin Kok brought down and finished sensationally.
Ghana had to change their keeper in the second half due to injury, but in truth there was very little Simon Dontoh could do late on to deny Matt Guise-Brown. Mustapha Cassiem and Jacque van Tonder would bring the score to 7-0, to match the performance of the women earlier on the night.
The South Africans will now prepare for the deciding game of the tournament taking on Egypt on Sunday evening.
by South Africa
