South Africa failed to capitalise on multiple scoring opportunities, eventually going down 3-1 to Belgium in the third and final women’s hockey Test in Antwerp on Monday.
Belgium did well to hold on after leading 2-1 at half-time to secure a 1-1 series draw.
South Africa had won the first match 4-1 and the teams had drawn 2-2 in the second game at the weekend.
The tourists seemed to do everything right but were unable to find the back of the net in the second half.
Five South African penalty corners were not converted and a host of chances from field play went astray, while Belgium scored two penalty corners from two attempts plus a field goal.
Both goalkeepers, South Africa’s Mariette Rix and Nadine Khouzam of Belgium, made some stunning saves.
Missing chances
Midway through the first half, the visitors gave away a turnover, with Belgium captain and striker Charlotte Vos deflecting in a cross from the left wing.
South Africa strung together a series of well-constructed attacks, resulting in a superb equaliser when right-half Nicolene Terblanche fed Jade Mayne, whose layoff was hammered against the backboard by striker Dirkie Chamberlain.
Another turnover gave Belgium a soft penalty corner and Anouk Raes made no mistake as the hosts took a 2-1 advantage into the break.
After the South Africans fluffed a number of chances in the second half, Raes eventually scored against the run of play with four minutes remaining to seal the win for the hosts.
South Africa face world No. 1 The Netherlands in a two-Test series in Ede on Wednesday and Thursday.
They then complete a punishing eight-Test, nine-day tour against Scotland in a three-Test series in Dublin, Ireland, starting on Friday. — Sapa