South Africa’s men’s hockey team failed to turn heaps of possession into goals on their way to a 0-0 draw against the lower-ranked Canadians in Potchefstroom on Friday morning.
After enduring a scrappy opening half South Africa upped the tempo, especially in the final quarter, but to no avail as the Canadians held out for a goalless draw thanks in main to goalkeeper Mike Mahood.
South Africa didn’t enjoy too many real scoring opportunities, but when they managed to get it right the Canadian goalkeeper was up to the task.
Steve Evans, Greg Nicol, Ian Symons were all denied by Mahood as South Africa continuously gave the ball away on attack.
South African coach Paul Revington said he wasn’t surprised by Canada’s defiant performance.
”They have a good record of qualifying for big tournaments and a number of seasoned campaigners,” he said.
”I was disappointed with our performance from an offensive point of view.”
The home side failed to convert one of their five set pieces, but Nicol came desperately close from their fifth penalty corner when he hit the post with a drag flick in the 58th minute.
South Africa’s leading goalscorer’s attempt from the corner took a slight deflection off Emile Smith’s stick on its way to the goalpost.
South Africa play five internationals against Canada, coached by former South African women’s hockey coach Gene Muller, in the next week as they wrap up their preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers in Madrid at the beginning of March.
The second Test takes place on Saturday night at the same venue. — Sapa