The SPAR South African Women’s Indoor Hockey team kept their five-match series against Namibia alive with a determined 2–1 victory in Saturday evening’s third Test in Windhoek, after narrowly losing the afternoon encounter 4–3.
The results leave Namibia leading the series 2–1 heading into Sunday’s final two matches at the Sports Facilitation Centre. South Africa will need to win both remaining Tests to claim the series.
Saturday’s second Test saw South Africa produce a spirited late fightback after Namibia established a 4–1 lead.
Jivanka Kruger opened the scoring in the second minute before Azaylee Philander doubled Namibia’s advantage from a penalty corner in the 12th. Elizabeth Porter pulled a goal back with a penalty-corner conversion in the 20th minute, leaving South Africa trailing 2–1 at halftime.
Namibia regained control late in the third quarter. Captain Sunelle Pretorius scored in the 28th minute before Abigail Rowles converted a penalty corner two minutes later to give the hosts a three-goal cushion.
South Africa responded strongly in the final quarter. Edith Molikoe scored from open play in the 33rd minute, and Tegan Fourie converted a penalty stroke in the 37th to reduce the deficit to a single goal. However, Namibia held on to secure their second victory of the series.
The evening encounter brought a different outcome as South Africa turned a halftime deficit into their first win of the weekend.
Philander marked her 50th international indoor appearance for Namibia, and the hosts took the lead through Rowles in the 15th minute. The opening goal was disputed, with the ball appearing not to have fully crossed the line, but the decision stood and Namibia led 1–0 at the break.
South Africa’s equaliser arrived in the 24th minute when Anja Tromp converted a penalty corner for her first international indoor goal.
Goalkeeper Manisha Desai then made a crucial contribution, saving Philander’s penalty stroke to keep the scores level.
Namibia’s discipline proved costly as the hosts accumulated five yellow cards, including two for Jahntwa Kruger. South Africa also had Tromp temporarily suspended, but Namibia’s repeated suspensions disrupted their efforts during a decisive second half.
With three minutes remaining, South Africa moved the ball quickly and worked it to Cerian Fourie, who finished to give the visitors a 2–1 lead.
Namibia withdrew their goalkeeper for the final two minutes in pursuit of an equaliser, but South Africa held firm to complete the comeback.
After two defeats to start the series, the victory gives Calvin Price’s team an opportunity to challenge for the honours on the final day. Tromp’s breakthrough goal, Desai’s important save and Fourie’s late winner ensured there is still everything to play for on Sunday.
The final two Tests will be streamed live on Gravity’s YouTube channel.
Saturday’s results
Test 2: SPAR South Africa 3–4 Namibia
South Africa: Elizabeth Porter (20’), Edith Molikoe (33’), Tegan Fourie (37’)
Namibia: Jivanka Kruger (2’), Azaylee Philander (12’), Sunelle Pretorius (28’), Abigail Rowles (30’)
Test 3: Namibia 1–2 SPAR South Africa
South Africa: Anja Tromp (24’), Cerian Fourie (37’)
Namibia: Abigail Rowles (15’)
Series score: Namibia lead 2–1.
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