Jean-Leigh Du Toit scored the only goal of the match as South Africa beat Ireland 1-0 to win their Pool B encounter at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom on Monday.
The result was a big boost for the hosts who finished their pool in second spot behind England, with only two games being played in the three-team group. England had beaten South Africa 3-0 and Ireland 2-1 in their two matches to secure top position in the pool standings.
Du Toit’s goal came from a penalty corner in the 29th minute and with it South Africa have now advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition.
The first quarter was a tough tactical battle without a shot on target. Ireland had the best chance to create something early in the second quarter when they were awarded the game’s opening penalty corner. The opportunity was wasted though. However, in a game riddled with nerves and lacking quality, it was South Africa who had the next big opportunity to lead as they were awarded their own first PC. They came closer than the Irish though as the shot from Hanrie Louw was deflected onto the post.
It was Ireland who got the next opportunity as they surged up the other end and won another penalty corner. But Louw popped up with a touch on the post to deflect it wide and keep parity. After defending another penalty corner South Africa broke the deadlock.
A penalty corner was awarded for a poor stick tackle and a powerful slap from Du Toit was deflected off an Irish stick to give the hosts the lead.
A tentative third quarter saw the teams continue to tussle for domination with Ireland knowing a draw would be enough for them to take a place in the top eight by virtue of goal difference. South Africa were awarded three penalty corners in succession, but on the third occasion Ireland were able to get the ball out and looked to create a goalscoring opportunity up the field from which they won a penalty corner themselves. The shot brought out a wonderful save from Mishka Ellis.
With six minutes left it was still anybody’s spot for grabs in the top eight. Then Ireland fired inches wide from a penalty corner. Ireland then created a one-on-one, but Ellis pulled off a superb one-on-one save to deny them.