India thrashes South Africa by 7-4 in the Champions Challenge I
India flew high a day after it drew the first game against Belgium, as the Indian men’s hockey team toppled South Africa, 7-4, in the second match of the Champions Challenge I, on November 27, at the Randburg Hockey Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa.
India, the team holding the 10th position according to the world rankings, displayed a fantastic performance in earning its first victory of the tournament.
The South African team also showed its endurance, levelling the game at four-all. However, contrary to expectations, it did not uphold its position and conceded three goals in the last fifteen minutes to hand over the victory to India.
Nevertheless, the Indian team also became strong in the concluding minutes, scoring three goals back to back and keeping the opponents at bay.
South Africa’s Justin Reid-Ross looked extremely determined. Starting the game in a dominating way, he marked the first goal of the day in the sixth minute of the match.
In counter offence, Sandeep Singh whacked a penalty shot, tying the game at one-all in the 14th minute mark.
Both, India and South Africa, battled aggressively in the remaining time to break the stalemate.
However, India took another fifteen minutes in earning a go-ahead goal. Saravanjit Singh hit a shot into the goalposts, putting India ahead of South Africa by 2-1.
With seconds left in the first half, Sandeep Singh converted another penalty shot, closing out the period with India holding a two-goal lead, 3-1.
The second round began with the two teams hurling fire against each other. With three minutes into the period, Marvin Harper added a goal to the South African score.
The Indian team maintained its fast and furious performance in the second frame, acquiring their fourth goal of the game in the 41st minute mark. Again it was Tushar Khandekar who expanded the Indian lead up to two goals.
Miguel de Garcia and Tim Drummond scored one goal apiece in the 46th and 48th minutes, respectively for South Africa, tying the match at four-all.
S.V. Sunil added two goals in the 55th and 66th minutes while his teammate, Rupinder Pal Singh, accompanied him with a single notch, sealing the victory for India by 7-4.
India will take on Poland in the next fixture of the Champions Challenge I, to be played on Tuesday, November 29.
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