South Africa retain african women hockey title
South Africa retain african women hockey title
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Holders South Africa needed a strong second half comeback to eventually beat Ghana 3-2 in a game of both halves at the city Park Stadium.Tanya Britz tapped in a Marie Deetlefs loose ball to win the match for the champions who looked out of flavor in the first half.
Tournament sensational
Belgium duo Shelley Russell and Goal scorer Jade Mayne were the dreaded stars for the holders with keeper Grace Mensah standing in their way.
Coach Gregory Fabian’s half time pep talk did magic as the ladies came out blazing in search on an Equalizer.
Cecilia Evans’ far post shot was well dealt with by Mensah as South Africa started brightly but Evans could not be denied in the 42nd minute with a good shot which appeared to have taken a deflection.
Pressure continued to mount on the Ghanaian defense as Russell overran the defenders with Mayne earning the Equalizeras.
Ghana had two penalty corners to win the match but Ernestina Coffie and Satu Umaru blasted wide.
Britz could not forgive them on the other end tapping the winner as the team from Deep South retained their crown.
Winning captain Marcelle Keet said "It was a great performance from the ladies. Coming from two down to win is not a mean achievement. Experience was our main strong point."said Keet
The match was attended by Federation of international Hockey president Leandro Negre among other dignitaries.
