CAPE TOWN, South Africa – It was a challenging day for the No. 15 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team at the 2025 Nkosi Cup, as they came up short in both of their matches. First the Wolves couldn’t withstand the scoring prowess of No. 6 South Africa, as they dropped their first contest, 6-1. Next, USA fought to come back, but a late goal put No. 18 New Zealand ahead 3-2.
South Africa opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. They doubled their lead just before the halftime break through a field goal.
Pat Harris briefly brought the contest to life by putting USA within one, 2-1, but South Africa went on to score four unanswered, all from Mustaphaa Cassiem, for the 6-1 final.
Key Moments:
- 2’ South Africa opens the scoring off an early field goal, 1-0
- 18’ South Africa doubles their lead, 2-0
- 23’ Pat Harris got USA on the board to make it 2-1
- 25’ South Africa converts on a penalty corner, 3-1
- 27’ South Africa tallies a set piece, 4-1
- 37’ South Africa earns and scores on a penalty corner, 5-1
- 39’ A final goal for South Africa, 6-1
Noteworthy:
- Goalkeeper Amar Singh played in his first international indoor cap
- The last time South Africa and USA met was at the 2023 Nkosi Cup, where South Africa won 7-4 and 11-5
Thoughts from Head Coach Pat Cota: “This game against South Africa was another good step forward for the team today. We improved in our understanding and executing play in our structures.”
By USWNT
