South Africa kept their Junior World Cup hopes alive with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Ireland, a result that injects fresh momentum into the group after the disappointment of the opening match.
Ireland entered the contest full of confidence after their win over Canada, and with their head coach, a former South African U21 mentor, adding another layer of intrigue to a pivotal Pool A fixture.
South Africa knew a win was essential and started with real intent, creating the bulk of the opportunities throughout the first half. They forced four penalty corners before the break, moving the ball well and applying sustained pressure, but the finishing touch once again eluded them. A combination of misfires and strong Irish defending meant the sides reached halftime at 0–0, despite South Africa’s greater threat.
Early in the second half South Africa thought they had found the breakthrough when Jamie Seale smashed the ball home. However, after referral the goal was overturned due to danger in the buildup, a frustrating moment that could easily have unsettled the group. Instead, it only sharpened their resolve.
As the third quarter neared its close, South Africa finally received the reward their energy deserved. Reuben Sendzul won the ball high up the pitch, showed composure, and drilled a brilliant finish into the net to give South Africa the lead. But the joy was short-lived. Ireland hit back almost immediately, capitalising on a failed clearance and allowing McKee to fire home the equaliser.
With the game finely poised, South Africa showed character and calmness when it mattered most. Litha Kraai produced a moment of class, slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ross Montgomery, who delivered a cool, clinical finish to restore the lead and ultimately seal the win for the South Africans.
It was a tense, fierce contest, but one in which South Africa created enough chances to fully deserve the three points. The 2-1 victory puts their campaign back on track and sets up a decisive final pool match against Canada.
