It was a quick turnaround for Team SA’s men’s hockey squad who found themselves back on the pitch 24 hours after pushing world No1’s the Netherlands in their opening match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Saturday they had fought back to go down 5-3, and on Sunday they were 90 seconds away from beating Great Britain. Ultimaely they settled for a 2-2 draw, a fine effort.
Former South African head coach Paul Revington is now in charge of Great Britain and they showed their early attacking intent with a break into the circle, but Gowan Jones made the save to deny any early opportunity. Team SA also repelled the first penalty corner for Great Britain with a good post clearance. South Africa were the next to have an opportunity, winning a penalty corner. That chance was taken by the South Africans. Matthew Guise-Brown’s shot was saved and the rebound was saved, before it bobbled to the back post, and Andrew Hobson tapped it home for 1-0 at the end of the first quarter.
South Africa created a chance in the second quarter which eventually fell to Keenan Horne, but it was pulled wide. Great Britain won a penalty corner, but it was charged down. Team SA Sasked a couple of questions in the concluding minutes of the half, but Sherwood was unable to breach the British backline.
Great Britain levelled early in the second half and the third quarter ended with the score at 1-1. They then won a penalty corner in the opening minute of the final quarter when Gowan Jones made a save, but the resultant ball was lifted into a crowd of players. On the counter, it was the South Africans who took their moment. Brad Sherwood received the ball and, with a fine touch, created space and fired it into the bottom corner to give South Africa the lead again with seven minutes remaining.
Great Britain won a penalty corner with two minutes on the clock, and it was re-awarded, adding to the tension. GB got the equaliser with 90 seconds still to play.
Team SA’s Brad Sherwood said: “I am obviously chuffed to be an Olympic goal scorer, but I’m really disappointed that we weren’t able to get the result. We put in a tremendous effort, and we frustrated them. We are South African; we will be back for the next game, of course!”
Photo: ROGER SEDRES/Team SA