South Africa (Men) showed why they are the highest ranked male team in Africa by beating Egypt 2-0 in a highly anticipated meeting of the top two African teams.

South Africa applied pressure on the Egyptians right from the push-off earning a couple of penalty corners which went wide. The Egyptians briefly made some runs into the South African territory but did not seriously threaten the SA defense. SA continued to patiently attack the Egyptian defense from both midfield and the wings. In one such attack, SA earned another penalty corner which Gareth Carr converted for their first goal. The second goal was from open play and was registered by Lloyd Norris Jones in the 55th minute.

In the other men’s match of the day, hosts Ghana lost to neighbors Nigeria by 2-1 after taking an early lead in the first half through Joseph Appiah. Nigeria scored twice in the last 15 minutes to clinch the victory.

In the first women’s match of the day, Egypt were just unlucky to concede a goal right in the 70th minute to lose 1-0 to Nigeria.

The final match between Ghana and South Africa women ended 5-0 in favor of the highly fancied South Africans with goals from Cindy Brown (23rd – PC), Vida Ryan (26th – PC), Kim Hubbach (36th – PC), Shelly Russel (44th - PC) and Cindy Botha (50th - FG). The results of the day put both South African teams in good stead to play in the finals on Saturday.

Source: AfHF