SA go down 3-0 to England in exciting World Cup opener in Potch

The opening match of the 2021 FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup got underway today (Friday, 1 April) with great fanfare in Potchefstroom as England got the better of hosts South Africa with a 3-0 win.

Both teams were ready to shine on the big stage with the pre-match atmosphere created a truly big match feel. Credit must be given to the organising committee for a superb first day of World Cup action.

In the field of play, England were clinical when it mattered most on the pristine NWU Astoturf as they scored twice from penalty corners, converting chances when it was presented to them.

SA fought hard but could not breach the English defense. They will have to go back and improve their attacking intent ahead of a must win game against Ireland on Monday, 4 April.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

England opened the scoring through player of the match, Lorna Mackenzie from a well worked penalty corner. Mackenzie scored the third and her second in the third quarter after Millie Giglio doubled the lead earlier on. SA captain, Onthatile Zulu, did her best upfront, whilst, Mishka Ellis also kept England at bay with some good saves in goal for the South Africans. The Netherlands also opened their Pool A account with a stunning 9-0 demolition of the USA earlier today. The Europeans were just too good for the Stars and Stripes as they showed why they are title contenders early on in the competition. Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Zimbabwe provided an upset when they beat Canada 2-1 in their pool A encounter. It was goals from Alexi Terblanche and Lilian Pope in the first half that got the Africans off to a tremendous start, They held on despite a late consolation goal from Canada’s Jenna Goodman.

The match between the Republic of Korea and Uruguay is currently underway with the score still 0-0*.