South Africa’s hopes of reaching the men’s semi-finals at the FIH Nations Cup were dashed in Kuala Lumpur as they lost 1-0 to Korea and now drop into the 5–8 classification bracket with relegation on the line.
South Africa knew that only a win would be enough to keep their semi-final hopes alive, but it was Korea who started strongly and earned three penalty corners in quick succession, but the South African defence stood firm.
South Africa’s best opportunity of the opening quarter came from a bursting run by Calvin Davis, who found Carlon Mentoor in space. Unfortunately, his shot was straight at the keeper.
In the second quarter, the South Africans began to assert themselves more confidently. Mentoor, whose movement continued to unsettle the Korean defence, had two promising half-chances that could have swung momentum had they found the net.
But it was Korea who landed the first blow. From their fifth penalty corner, they finally found the execution they had been lacking, with Dohyun Lin converting to give the Asian side a 1-0 lead heading into half-time.
The second half saw South Africa dominate over 75% possession as they searched for a way back into the match. Despite their territorial control and pressure, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Jaydon Brooker’s second-phase effort was one of the few that tested the Korean defence, but it was comfortably dealt with.
As the clock ticked down, the South Africans pushed forward with urgency but couldn’t find the final pass or finish.
Photo: Supplied
