There was no score at half-time
South American champions Argentina scored the winner through a Pedro Ibarra penalty corner midway through the second half.
Three South Africans made their Test debuts — Dylan Coombes, Dean Symons and Nic Spooner.
The third Test in this five-match series in KwaZulu-Natal will take place at 3pm Saturday, at Queensmead Hockey Stadium in Umbilo, Durban South.
Argentina won the first Test 4-2.
Sapa
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