South Africa clinched a 2-1 win in a highly entertaining match against Belgium in high wind in Cape Town on Tuesday night.
The teams felt each other out initially, with the first tentative shots at goal coming from South Africa in the seventh minute. Both teams employed the short ball in a physical game.
SA took control as the first half progressed. Veteran Wayne Denne starred in the midfield, and was almost rewarded when his fine shot was saved by goalkeeper Manu Leroy in the 26th minute.
The boys in green and gold struggled to break down a stubborn defence, often having to contend with all eleven Belgians in their own 25-yard area.
The hard-working Belgian captain, Xavier-Charles Letier, almost scored when he intercepted a pass, but the first half ended scoreless.
The second period was all action as both teams gave their all to break the deadlock. Belgium forced the first penalty corner of the match in the 37th minute, but Jean-Philippe Brule’s flick went wide.
The home side’s first penalty corner came in the 51st minute. Leroy saved the shot after being cautioned for breaking early, and the Belgians came close to scoring as they swept upfield on the break.
The excitement built as the action moved from one end of the field to the other. SA took the lead in the 55th minute when Denne converted a penalty stroke after the ball hit a defender’s foot on the line. Two minutes later, his Fish Hoek teammate Ian Hale cracked in a reverse stick shot after some fine work by the outstanding Clyde Abrahams.
With ten minutes reamining, home goalkeeper Chris Hibbert saved from a penalty corner. Although both teams kept up the pace, this was the last real chance and there was no further scoring. The closing minutes were marred by a serious injury to Belgian vice-captain Marc Coudron.
The Belgians conclude their tour with two matches against the Netherlands on Thursday and Friday. – Sapa