Close Menu
    Trending
    sports

    South Africa Fight Back to Keep Namibia Series Alive

    ifongeBy No Comments1 Views

    The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team kept their five-match series against Namibia alive with a determined 2–1 victory in the evening’s third Test, after narrowly losing the afternoon encounter 4–3, at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

    The results leave Namibia leading the series 2–1 heading into Sunday’s final two matches. South Africa will need to win both remaining Tests to claim the series.

    Saturday’s second Test saw South Africa produce a spirited late fightback after Namibia established a 4–1 lead.

    Jivanka Kruger opened the scoring in the second minute before Azaylee Philander doubled Namibia’s advantage from a penalty corner in the 12th. Elizabeth Porter pulled a goal back with a penalty-corner conversion in the 20th minute, leaving South Africa trailing 2–1 at half-time.

    Namibia regained control late in the third quarter. Captain Sunelle Pretorius scored in the 28th minute before Abigail Rowles converted a penalty corner two minutes later to give the hosts a three-goal cushion.

    South Africa responded strongly in the final quarter. Edith Molikoe scored from open play in the 33rd minute, and Tegan Fourie converted a penalty stroke in the 37th to reduce the deficit to a single goal. However, Namibia held on to secure their second victory of the series.

    The evening encounter brought a different outcome as South Africa overturned a half-time deficit for their first win of the weekend.

    Philander marked her 50th international indoor appearance for Namibia, and the hosts took the lead through Rowles in the 15th minute. The opening goal was disputed, with the ball appearing not to have fully crossed the line, but the decision stood and Namibia led 1–0 at the break.

    Result graphic for the second Test between South Africa and Namibia in the women's indoor hockey Test series, which Namibia won 4-3. A South African player in a white playing kit with a green collar, her braided hair tied back with a green scrunchie, holds her stick across her body and looks over her shoulder. The word RESULT runs across the top in large white letters behind her. The background splits from green and gold smoke on the left, in the colours of the South African flag, to blue and red smoke on the right, in the colours of the Namibian flag. The South African indoor hockey crest and the Namibia hockey crest sit either side of the score, 3-4. The South African scorers, Elizabeth Porter, Edith Molikoe and Tegan Fourie, are listed on the left, and the Namibian scorers, Jivanka Kruger, Azaylee Philander, Sunelle Pretorius and Abigail Rowles, on the right. A row of sponsor logos runs along the footer.
    Result graphic for the third Test between South Africa and Namibia in the women's indoor hockey Test series, which South Africa won 2-1. South African goalkeeper Manisha Desai, wearing number 26 in a red playing kit with a white helmet, yellow gloves and red leg guards, stands in the centre of the frame. The word RESULT runs across the top in large white letters behind her. The background splits from green and gold smoke on the left, in the colours of the South African flag, to blue and red smoke on the right, in the colours of the Namibian flag. The South African indoor hockey crest and the Namibia hockey crest sit either side of the score, 2-1. The South African scorers, Anja Tromp and Cerian Fourie, are listed on the left, and the Namibian scorer, Abigail Rowles, on the right. A row of sponsor logos runs along the footer.

    South Africa’s equaliser arrived in the 24th minute when Anja Tromp converted a penalty corner for her first international indoor goal.

    Goalkeeper Manisha Desai then made a crucial contribution, saving Philander’s penalty stroke to keep the scores level.

    Namibia’s discipline proved costly as the hosts accumulated five yellow cards, including two for Jahntwa Kruger. South Africa also had Tromp temporarily suspended, but Namibia’s repeated suspensions disrupted their efforts during a decisive second half.

    With three minutes remaining, South Africa moved the ball quickly and worked it to Cerian Fourie, who finished to give the visitors a 2–1 lead. Namibia withdrew their goalkeeper for the final two minutes in pursuit of an equaliser, but South Africa held firm to complete the comeback.

    After two defeats to start the series, the victory gives head coach Calvin Price’s team an opportunity to challenge for the honours on the final day. Tromp’s breakthrough goal, Desai’s important save and Cerian Fourie’s late winner ensured there is still everything to play for on Sunday.

    The final two Tests will be streamed live on Gravity’s YouTube channel.

    The Namibia vs. South Africa Women’s Indoor Hockey Test Series at the Sports Facilitation Centre, Windhoek Showgrounds from 9 to 11 October 2026

    Fri 9 Oct, 19h00: Namibia 3–0 South Africa, Namibia scorers: Leila Grögli (13′, 24′), Amber Dercksen (34’)

    Sat 10 Oct, 12h00: Namibia 4-3 South Africa, Namibia scorers: Jivanka Kruger (2′), Azaylee Philander (12′), Sunelle Pretorius (28′), Abigail Rowles (30’); South Africa scorers: Elizabeth Porter (20′), Edith Molikoe (33′), Tegan Fourie (37’)

    Sat 10 Oct, 19h30: Namibia 1-2 South Africa, Namibia scorer: Abigail Rowles (15’); South Africa scorers: Anja Tromp (24′), Cerian Fourie (37’)

    Sun 11 Oct, 11h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 4

    Sun 11 Oct, 17h00: Namibia vs. South Africa Indoor Test 5 

    Series score: Namibia lead 2–1.

    Original Copy: SA Hockey, with editing by gsport

    Main Photo Caption: The Spar South African women’s indoor hockey team kept its five-match Test series against Namibia alive, with Anja Tromp and Cerian Fourie scoring in a 2-1 win after a 4-3 defeat earlier in the day, at the Sports Facilitation Centre at the Windhoek Showgrounds in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, 10 October 2026. All Photos: Namibia Hockey

    Share.

    Related Posts

    Comments are closed.