SA opened the scoring when a Lisa Deetlefs penalty corner strike (PC) was deflected with pinpoint precision high into the net by Candice Manuel. The South Africans, capitalising on turnovers, earned six shots at goal to Ireland’s one in the first half.
Ireland coach Darren Smith said SA had improved with every game, borne out by the fact they had lost 4-1 to the Irish on the opening day.
SA were stronger physically than Ireland on a very hot day and head coach Sheldon Rostron’s half-time wish for a repeat performance in the second half came true.
The Irish won their first PC four minutes after half-time and Jade Mayne made a crucial save on the goalline from captain Megan Fraser’s drag-flick.
Soon after, in-form Ireland keeper Ayeisha McFerran did well to keep out Dirkie Chamberlain and Mayne. At the other end, SA keeper Sanani Mangisa was excellent in saving from Katie Mullan.
As the match wore on, Bernie Coston made a number of incise breaks down the left and right flanks that put the Irish defence under enormous pressure. Coston earned SA’s fourth PC and Deetlefs’ sizzling slap shot curved away from the keeper into the backboard for the team to go 2-0 up in the 43rd minute.
SA continued to transfer pressure onto the Irish defence in the fourth and final quarter of 15 minutes and Line Malan combined to great effect with Coston down the right to set up a Chamberlain shot. At the other end, Mangisa produced a top save from Anna O’Flanagan’s effort.
After SA had won yet another turnover, striker Lilian du Plessis made the game safe in the 62nd minute with one of the goals of the tournament, a flashing reverse-stick shot into the top corner from the edge of the strike zone.
