South Africa continued their inaugural debut campaign in the FIH Pro League with a 4-3 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires. The South Africans had lost the eight games in the Potchefstroom leg and then 2-1 and 3-1 in France and Germany, respectively. The challenge would not be any easier taking on the 2016 Olympic Gold medallists.
They welcomed back Tim Drummond, Sam Mvimbi and Matt Guise-Brown to the team but were also missing a few stalwarts in the squad due to club or work commitments. Coach Garreth Ewing also was unable to travel due to recovery from illness.
It was a frustrating start of the South Africans and an early penalty corner was converted by the Argentines through a deflection. One quickly became two as the Argentineans settled quickly and the South Africans were struggling with the pace.
South Africa pulled a goal back with some good high pressing. Keenan Horne and Bili Ntuli combined for Ntuli to react to a save quickly and finish into the back of the net. South Africa earned their first penalty corner in the second quarter, but the chance was missed as debutant Guy Morgan was unable to get a solid connection on the cross. Poor discipline from South Africa led to a penalty corner for Argentina shortly after, but Siya Nolutshungu was quick with his feet to deny the South Americans.
It was a much better showing in the second quarter and the first half ended 2-1. An early green card for South Africa was shown to Guy Morgan but South Africa were able to hold out. Argentina scored from a penalty corner before Chad Futcher earned the South Africans a penalty corner with a couple of minutes remaining in the third quarter. Guise-Brown superbly finished for his 30th international. But almost immediately South Africa were sucker punched as the two-goal lead was restored when Sarto picked up the loose ball in the circle and fired home easily.
Ntuli shared his thoughts after the game. “It was an honour to play in this brilliant stadium with this wonderful crowd. We want to continue to compete and develop and we look forward to the privilege of playing again tomorrow!”
The two teams will meet again on Sunday 24 April to complete their two tests for the 2021 FIH Pro League.