SA hockey women edged in seven-goal thriller

In the fifth minute the Chinese forwards found a way through from their second penalty corner as Mengrong Wu made it 1-0 after six minutes.

On the quarter hour mark, a defensive lapse by the South Africans let in Meiyu Liang and her pass to Wu was duly converted (2-0).

There was joy in the 42nd minute for South Africa when Tarryn Bright’s pinpoint pass found Kelly Madsen who was on target with her shot as her side pulled a goal back (2-1).

China broke down the left to set up Wang Na for a superb strike and the Asians had restored their two-goal cushion after 53 minutes. (3-1).

Bernadette Coston hit the post from field play with nine left and got her goal when she tapped-in, in the 62nd minute following Kathleen Taylor’s shot to make it 3-2.

South Africa were awarded a penalty corner in the 66th minute and Piete Coetzee made it 3-3.

China scored the winner two minutes later. Mengyu Wang made the score 4-3 with a pinpoint penalty corner, as her side held out for the victory.

South Africa now need to beat log leaders America in their final Group B on Tuesday, and hope that bottom-placed England overcome Germany for the South Africans to finish fourth in the Group and have a shot at seventh place in the classification matches.

– Sapa