New Indian Express: Canada, South Africa play out 1-1 draw to stay alive in Hockey World Cup

It was a hard-fought battle with little separating the two teams. In the contest between world no 11. Canada and world no 15.

BHUBANESWAR: Canada and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in their second Pool C match to stay afloat in the men’s hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

It was a hard-fought battle with little separating the two teams. In the contest between world no 11. Canada and world no 15.

South Africa, both teams fought hard in the opening two quarters and did not give each other an inch of advantage to remain goalless at halftime.

It was South Africa who took the lead in the 43rd minute through a fine reverse stick field goal by Nqobile Ntuli.

But South Africa’s joy was shortlived as Canada equalised two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty stroke and skipper Scott Tupper took the onus on himself to level the match.

Thereafter, both Canada and South Africa pressed hard in search of the winner but they failed to breach the rival defence to eventually share the spoils.

The result kept both the teams in the hunt for a place in the knock-out round.

While Canada will play hosts India in their last pool match on December 8, South Africa will face world no.3 Belgium on the same day.