South Africa are the champions of the inaugural FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup after defeating Ireland 4-3 in a pulsating final at the NWU Astroturf in Potchefstroom today (Sunday, 4 December).
SA were spurred on by a superb packed crowd who cheered their team from the first to last whistle. It was true euphoria for every South African player and fan in the stands. Chants of “Let’s Go SA, Olé Olé reverberated around the astroturf on a glorious day for SA hockey.
The Proteas will now qualify for the FIH Pro League next season.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
SA captain, Dayaan Cassiem scored two goals and his brother Mustapha scored the winning goal via a penalty shot in the fourth corner to not only break the 3-3 deadlock, but also Irish hearts.
Dayaan was also named the player of the tournament for an outstanding performance where he led a young team to glory.
Match photos (Wouter Pienaar)
It was Dayaan who gave SA the perfect start with ferocious shot and goal in the 3rd minute of the match. Ireland’s Shane O’ Donoghue scored the equaliser in the 18th minute, before SA took the lead through a superb field goal from Cassiem.
Tevin Kok also scored a much-needed goal in the third quarter that gave SA a deserved 3-1 lead and some breathing space.
Ireland though could not be counted out and another penalty corner goal from O’Donoghue and a deflected field goal from John McKee levelled the score with one quarter to go.
Both sides had chances to win the match, but a decisive break on the counter attack from Dayaan, put him one on one with keeper, David Fitzgerald. The SA captain was fouled and up stepped his brother to slot home the winner.
FIH Nations Cup – Final Standings
1 – South Africa
2 – Ireland
3 – Korea
4 – Malaysia
5 – France
6 – Japan
7 – Pakistan
8 – Canada
Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Jaehyeon Kim (Korea)
Best Player of the Tournament – Dayaan Cassiem (South Africa)
Young Player – Corentin Sellier (France)
Top Goalscorer – Jonghyun Jang (Korea)
