It was double delight for South African hockey as both the men and the women won the African Cup of Nations titles to confirm their qualification for the 2022 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup and 2023 FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup.
The women came from behind to beat hosts Ghana 3-1 while the men beat Egypt 3-1 in the penalty shootout after the scores had been locked at 1-1 after full-time.
South Africa’s men’s coach Gareth Ewing said: “I’m shattered. That was too close for comfort. Ghana is such a great host, there was such a great atmosphere in the stadium, it was great to win. Based on tonight’s performance, we have a lot to do before the World Cup.”
South Africa’s men’s captain Tim Drummond said:”We are ecstatic. That was tough but we are missing some players so that shows that we have depth in the squad. There is a long way to go before the World Cup but we hope to make a lot of improvement and finish in the top ten.”
South Africa’s women’s Coach Inky Zondy said: “I am really excited and really happy with the game. It was a tough game, so thank you to Ghana. We have really enjoyed our week here. We are a team that has changed, so we have to learn from what has happened this week and represent Africa well at the World Cup.”
Ghana’s women gave the favourites a fright when Elizabeth Okpuru found the back of the net in the sixth minute. It was Opuku’s fifth goal of the tournament in her 51st international. But South Africa pulled level with Charne Maddocks firing in a shot that was deflected in by the defender in the 15th minute.
In the 23rd minute South Africa created a chance, but it was well saved before South Africa were awarded a penalty corner. From that, Quanita Bobbs’ shot was saved but Kristen Paton finished calmly to give the defending champions the lead for the first time.
It was almost a lead that they doubled just a minute later when Marizen Marais had a shot that was saved. The South Africans were getting the upper hand and starting to dominate in the middle of the park.
South Africa had two early penalty corners in the second half but were unable to take advantage of them. The game needed a major spark moment, and Ghana were awarded a penalty corner with six minutes remaining. But yet again the opportunity was wasted. South Africa then went up the other side and were awarded a penalty corner. The shot from Stephanie Botha struck the Ghanaian defender on the line and it was a stroke for South Africa. Lilian du Plessis stood up and finished it superbly to put a firm green and gold hand on the trophy.
Tarryn Glasby of South Africa was the competition’s overall top scorer with nine goals. “It is nice to get a win in Ghana. As a striker you are supposed to score goals, so I am happy to be the top scorer. Looking forward to the World Cup, it is all about trusting our processes.”
CONGRATULATIONS to our four individual prize winners at the @AfrHockey #ACN2022
Tarryn Lombard & Matt Guise-Brown – Top Goalscorers
Bili Ntuli – Player of the Tournament
Phumelela Mbande – Goalkeeper of the Tournament#HockeyInvites pic.twitter.com/dvuAa9vPrs— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) January 23, 2022