India won a hard-fought match against South Africa 3-2 to qualify for the men’s hockey final of the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.
Abhishek (20th minute), Mandeep Singh (28th) and Jugraj Singh (58th) scored for India, while South Africa’s goals came from Ryan Julius (33rd) and Mustapha Cassiem (59th).
Going by form and rankings, it was expected to be an easy match for India but it didn’t turn out that way, courtesy South Africa goalkeeper Gowan Jones, who put out a superlative performance.
Had it not been for Jones’ brilliant display, the scoreline could have been much bigger in favor of the India.
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India were on the offensive from the word go and dominated possession for the majority of the first two quarters. They had plenty of circle penetrations and chances in the first quarter but goals eluded them with Jones standing like a rock in front of the goal.
He denied India’s star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh from converting as many as four penalty corners in the first half to keep his side in the game. Jones’ anticipation and reflexes were a treat to watch as he pulled off save after save.
Not only penalty corners, Jones was also solid in front of the goal from open play as he kept out Shamsher Singh’s try from close range in the 10th minute after he was set by Akashdeep Singh. Seconds later Jones pulled off another stunning reflex save to deny Akashdeep.
South Africa looked to have got some rhythm in the second quarter and secured three penalty corners in quick succession but India’s reserve goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak was up to the task.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute when Abhishek scored with a smashing reverse hit from the top of the circle to finally beat Jones.
Minutes later, Jones once again came to his side’s rescue, blocking Amit Rohidas’ fierce shot and then stopping Akashdeep’s reverse shot.
But India doubled their lead in the 28th minute through Mandeep, who scored a fine goal after being fed by Gurjant Singh. They secured another penalty corner two minutes after the change of ends but wasted it.
South Africa looked more determined after the change of ends and reduced the margin three minutes after restart through Julius who scored of a rebound from a penalty corner.
Jones was in top form as he pulled off another fine save off Abhishek in the 38th minute.
South Africa were not to be bogged down as they penetrated the Indian circle multiple times and secured penalty corners but failed to breach the defence.
In the 41st minute, Jones made another brilliant save to keep out Jarmanpreet Singh’s effort from India’s sixth set piece.
In the final quarter, India tried to play the possession game and focussed on defending as South Africa pressed hard.
With four minutes to go, South Africa withdrew Jones and India utilized the chance to extend their lead with Jugraj slamming home from a penalty corner.
South Africa threatened India when Cassiem scored with a reverse hit to make it 3-2. India, however, managed to hold on to their lead to seal a final berth after 2014 edition, where they came second best to Australia.
India will play the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and England in the final on Sunday.
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