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South Africa’s men secured their first medal in history as they defeated Belgium 6-5 in the Bronze Medal match of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Porec, Croatia.
South Africa had a chance early but Mustapha Cassiem’s instinctive shot went over the crossbar. Belgium profited from the missed chance as they charged up the other end and found the back of the net from Phillipe Simar.
Despite a few half chances the South Africans were unable to find a goal and the opening quarter ended with the Europeans leading 1-0.
Early in the second quarter Belgium were awarded a penalty corner and Phillipe Simar doubled the lead. South Africa were awarded a route back into the game with a penalty corner and Mustapha Cassiem fired it low past the foot of Henet to half the deficit to 2-1. The Africans were quickly awarded another and this time Cassiem’s shot went narrowly wide.
South Africa equalised (2-2) when Mustapha Cassiem found the ball in the circle and turned to fire low and restore parity. Dayaan Passim joined the party and gave South Africa a lead when he fired into the roof from a tight angle on the reverse stick.
Early in the second half South Africa won a penalty corner which saw Mustapha Cassiem’s shot strike the defender on the line for a penalty stroke. Hans Neethling was on hand to fire home for 4-2.
Belgium pulled one back through Max Langer from a penalty corner, but Mustapha Cassiem completed the hat-trick with a brilliant drag from the right in the opening minute of the final quarter (5-3). Belgium were getting stretched and the Africans exploited it when Dayaan Cassiem fired it low past Henet to stretch the lead.
Belgium pulled their keeper off with four minutes remaining and Gaethon Dykmans pulled one back to make it 6-4.
Mustapha Cassiem was named player of the tournament.
Photo: World Sport Pics for FIH
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