Africa-Press – Namibia. A last second goal by Mustaphaa Cassiem gave South Africa a 3-3 draw in a thrilling first Indoor Hockey test against Namibia in Cape Town on Thursday night.
Namibia seemed to be heading for a sensational victory, but SA launched a final attack and Cassiem finished off a swift one-touch passing move to give SA a share of the spoils.
Namibia got off to a great start as Brynn Cleak put them 1-0 ahead after barely a minute, and when Liam Hermanus steered home a cross two minutes later Namibia were suddenly 2-0 ahead.
SA started to launch more attacks in the second quarter with Cassiem and Jethro Eustice both coming close, but Namibian keeper DJ Strauss brought off some fine saves, while at the other end SA keeper Bongumusa Mngoma saved well to deny JP Britz.
SA stepped up the tempo in the third quarter, with a Chad Futcher shot hitting the post, while Marvin Simons was put clear on Strauss, but the Namibian goalie once again saved well.
He however could do nothing when Cassiem opened SA’s account with a great shot from a short corner on 26 minutes, while another Cassiem short corner shot three minutes later was well blocked by Strauss. In a frantic final quarter, Cleak had a shot saved but SA drew level when Lungani Gabela scored from a quick counterattack.
Namibia came back strongly, winning two short corners in two minutes and although JP Britz’ first effort was saved, Namibia regained the lead from the second as Ernest Jacobs’ shot hit the back of the net with two minutes to go.
Namibia seemed to be heading for a dramatic victory, but SA had other ideas and Cassiem rounded off a great team effort with a second remaining. The second test takes place on Friday at 19h45.
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