In their second match of the tournament, South Africa faced a slick England side eager to ignite their own campaign after drawing their opening match against China. It proved to be a much more difficult task for the young South Africans who fought all the way but ultimately suffered a defeat of four to one.
England came out with real intent and their pace and precision created a wave of early pressure. South Africa absorbed as much as they could, but the breakthrough ultimately came from a penalty corner that gave the English a deserved lead.
South Africa responded with two early penalty corners of their own in the second quarter as they pushed hard for a way back into the match. Although the chances did not equalise, the quarter was much more balanced as the South Africans settled into the tempo and limited European opportunities. The half ended with England leading by one goal.
The match remained alive throughout the third quarter, with South Africa working tirelessly to stay within reach, but England found a crucial second in the final minute of the period through Lottie Bingham, changing the momentum again.
England added more goals in the final quarter through a penalty corner and penalty shot, increasing the margin more than the overall flow of play suggested. South Africa continued to compete and were rewarded late on when Ntsopa Mokoena reacted quickest to a rebound and pulled one back.
South Africa now turn their attention to their final pool match against China, where they will look to finish as high in the group as possible.
Source: SAHockey.co.za
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