A stirring second-half fightback saw a youthful and inexperienced South Africa Men claw their way back from a 4-0 half-time deficit to earn a 4-4 draw against Wales in their opening match of the FIH Nations Cup 2025.
Goals from Trevor de Lora and Angelo Walstroom narrowed the gap to 4-2 by the end of the third quarter, before captain Sam Mvimbi and Calvin Davis struck late to secure a valuable point.
South Africa knew they were up against it from the first whistle, fielding six debutants – Angelo Walstroom, Carlon Mentoor, Reuben Sendzul, Jaydon Brooker, Marvin Simons, and Jamie Seale – against a Welsh side boasting six centurions, including four players with regular Great Britain experience.
The opening half was punishing, with Jack Pritchard netting a hat-trick to help Wales establish a 3-0 lead. While the South Africans had braced themselves for a stern test, few could have imagined a tougher start.
But, true to the spirit of South African hockey, the team responded. De Lora opened the scoring with a well-taken reverse shot, before Walstroom netted his first international goal after excellent build up play from Matt de Sousa. With the score at 4-2 and 15 minutes to play, belief surged.
When De Lora’s goal-bound effort was illegally stopped on the line, a penalty stroke was awarded. Mvimbi coolly converted to make it 4-3 with eight minutes remaining.
South Africa pressed forward and were rewarded with a late penalty corner. Davis stepped up and fired home the equaliser, sealing a memorable comeback and earning South Africa a well-deserved share of the points.
