South Africa and France produced a blockbuster finish to the opening day of the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town, but it was the relentless European side who finally came away with a deserved 4-2 win.
Watched by a large crowd at the Hartleyvale Stadium, the home team were able to produce two stunning field goals through debutant Kenton Melville and Carlon Mentoor, but they were hurt by the loss of key player Mustaphaa Cassiem in the first quarter with an ankle injury
For much of the game they were a real threat to their higher-ranked opponents before the French team’s slick ability to turn defence into attack paid off as big forward Victor Charlet cashed in with a hat-trick.
France forced four penalty corners after halftime and Charlet’s precise placement eventually made the difference after an opening goal from Corentin Selliers.
SA captain Dayaan Cassiem acknowledged that they had areas in which to improve but also drew some positives from their performance.
“In the first two quarters we showed what we are made of, and I think the quicker we play the ball forward, the better will be,” he said.
“It’s quite difficult losing a player of Mustaphaa’s ability and vision in the midfield, but now the other guys will just have to work a bit harder.”
Earlier Malaysia and Scotland delivered a sizzling start to the tournament, with the Asian side eventually taking control in a convincing 5-2 victory.
The second match of the day between Korea and Japan proved equally dramatic, ending in a 1-1 draw. Japan were denied a last-gasp winner after a video review determined that the final hooter had sounded before the ball crossed the line.
Japan manager Jung Min Jang felt his side had reason to be encouraged despite the disappointment.
“At least we got one point,” he said. “We didn’t start well and it wasn’t a good first half, but we were much better in the second half.
“Going forward, we want to improve our attacking phase and create more opportunities to score goals.”
In the tournament opener, Mohammad Abu Kamal Azrai starred for Malaysia with a hat-trick as they took a 3-1 lead into halftime and repeatedly responded whenever Scotland threatened to fight back.
Malaysia stretched their advantage to 4-1 in the third quarter, and although Scotland reduced the deficit to 4-2 through Andrew McConnell, Azrai completed his treble to ensure there would be no late nerves.
Malaysia’s South African-born coach, Brendan Carolan, was pleased with the result, although he admitted the contest had been closer than the final scoreline suggested.
“We were fortunate to come through that yellow-card period without any damage, and it helped that our penalty-corner defence was very good,” he said.
“If they had converted more of their penalty corner opportunities, it would have been a lot closer.
“But it’s good to get a win in your first game and we know we have some tough matches ahead, including Japan on Friday.”
Scotland captain Robert Field acknowledged that missed opportunities had proved costly.
“We had some good chances early on and they just didn’t fall our way,” he said. “They managed to score at key moments that pegged us back, and that was the story of the game.
“We were chasing the game for long periods, but there are some good building blocks for us to take forward. We know it’s going to be tough, but the boys are really motivated and we’ll take a lot of confidence from some of our play today.”
Ireland, at No 9 in the world the top-ranked team in the tournament, laid down a marker when they outgunned United States of America 3-0.
Even then, player of the match Ben Johnson said they would be looking to improve going forward, especially against testing opposition.
“There were patches where we were a bit disappointing and not quite as quick to the mark,” he said. “But the conditions (cold and windy) possibly played a role in that as we only flew in a few days ago. I think we will grow as the tournament goes on.”
He acknowledged the need to keep improving.
“There are no easy matches in this tournament and very little between the teams on the day, but we are looking to go all the way and pick up as many ranking points as possible.”
Top of Form
The first day results were:
Pool A
Malaysia 5 (Mohammad Abu Kamal Azrai 3, Aiman Niik Rozemi, Mohamad Esook Anuar); Scotland 2 (Andrew McConnell, Jamie Golden).
Korea 1 (Dohyun Lim); Japan 1 (Tsubasa Tanaka).
Pool B
Ireland 3 (Fergus Gibson, Ben Johnson, Gregory Williams); US 0.
France 4 (Corentin Sellier, Victor Charlet 3); SA 2 (Kenton Melville, Carlon Mentoor).
Friday’s fixtures are:
16.45: Malaysia v Japan; 19.00: New Zealand v Scotland
Photo credits: Ray Chaplin Sports Media
