SA U17s pip Ghana in thrill-a-minute match

IN A thrill-a-minute hockey international, South Africa pipped a powerful Ghana team 3-2 in an African Olympic Junior Qualifier at Kat Leisure Park, East London, yesterday.

The final result was in the balance right until the very last minute, with Ghana on the attack, especially during the final 20 minutes.

South Africa had their goalkeeper, Hendrik Kroukamp to thank for their win. He stood tall like the Rock of Gibraltar, and, on at least three or four occasions made crucial saves, sticking out his gloves and pads, managed to clear the ball and prevent a goal.

Ghana opened the scoring in the ninth minute, soon after South Africa had botched their first short-corner attempt, and the nippy Johnny Botsio scored after some poor defensive work by the home team.

But South Africa retaliated almost immediately and it was Border’s Ignatius Malgraff who scored the equaliser.

Ghana were aggressive at this stage, and over-robust at times.

Michael Watson of South Africa played a steady game at the back, and with 10 minutes to half-time Ghana scored from a melee in the goalmouth.

The half-time score was 2-1 in the visitors’ favour.

With seven minutes of the second half having elapsed, SA’s Grant Glutz was spot-on from a penalty corner which took the wind out of Ghana’s sails for a short while.

Then some robust play from the Ghana forwards gave South Africa a penalty corner and Sumanth Sunkari, the South African captain, made no mistake as the home team took the lead for the first time after 48 minutes. For the next 20 minutes most of the action took place in the South African half as Ghana attacked from all quarters.

Their stick-work was deft and only some great play from the South African backs and Kroukamp kept them at bay.

There was relief all round from the supportive crowd when the final whistle blew with Ghana still pressing hard.