Harmanpreet Singh-led India thrashed South Africa 5-2 in the classification play-off match to finish the Hockey World Cup 2023 campaign in ninth place in Rourkela on Saturday (January 28).
Abhishek Nain scored a brilliant field goal to open the scoring in the first quarter, before Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner to double India's advantage. After a goalless 2nd and 3rd quarters, Shamsher Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Sukhjeet Singh found the net for India in the final quarter. For South Africa, Samkelo Mvimbi scored a field goal, while Mustaphaa Cassiem converted a penalty stroke.
India ended with a total of four wins, one draw and one defeat which came against New Zealand in the crossover. It scored 24 goals and conceded nine.
Having beaten Japan 8-0 in their previous 9th to 16th placing match, the hosts were up to the South African challenge as they began play with powerful attacking formations. The intent brough quick results with Captain Harmanpreet setting up Abhishek with a long pass to the top of the circle. Picking it up well, Abhishek spun around to beat the South African defender, taking a perfect shot into the goal.
The 5th minute goal, put South Africa on the backfoot and under pressure they gave away a penalty corner early in the first quarter. Making use of the opportunity, Harmanpreet Singh struck a fine goal taking India’s lead to 2-0 in the 12th minute.
While the second quarter remained goalless despite quite a few PCs being awarded to India, their next goal came only in the end of the third quarter. It was a brilliant cross by Abhishek from the right flank to Shamsher in front of the goal mouth that did the trick with the later finding the top of the net to fetch India it’s third goal.
In control of the proceedings, India struck another one in the 49th minute and this time it was Jarmanpreet’s cross to Akashdeep that helped India extend their lead to a formidable 4-0. Though South Africa scored a field goal in the 49th minute through Samkelo Mvimbi, it didn’t dent India’s attack as they struck another goal via Sukhjeet. He made a fine attempt of a rebound he picked up from Akashdeep’s attempt that was pushed away from the South African defender. Though India earned a penalty stroke which was converted by Mustaphaa Cassiem in the 60th minute, India signed off with a sweet 5-2 on board.
This is the 12th victory of the Indian team over South Africa. There have been 17 matches between the two teams so far. In this, Africa has won only one match. Four matches were drawn.
