South Africa go down to hosts India to finish 11th at Hockey World Cup

The African champions had a shot at finishing inside the top 10 for the first time in their World Cup history but fell behind in the fourth minute after Nicholas Spooner was green-carded, and things went from bad to worse as Nqobile Ntuli also saw green a few minutes later. 

India then doubled their lead just before the end of the first quarter, with a valiant effort in the second quarter seeing them shut out the hosts to keep the score at 2-0 at half-time.

However, India scored a third goal in the penultimate quarter before the game opened up slightly in the final 15 minutes, as the home team – spurred on by a packed stadium – went 4-0 up early in the fourth quarter.

Samkelo Mvimbi finally got SA on the scoresheet but India remained firmly in control with a fifth goal, before Mustaphaa Cassiem grabbed a final-minute consolation.

As a result, South Africa surrendered ninth place to India and had to settle for 11th after their only victory at the tournament came against Malaysia (6-3) on Thursday.

Overall results recap:

Argentina 1-0 South Africa - Pool A, 13 January 2023

France 2-1 South Africa - Pool A, 16 January 2023

Australia 9-2 South Africa - Pool A, 20 January 2023

South Africa 6-3 Malaysia - 9th - 16th play-off, 26 January 2023

South Africa 2-5 India - 9th - 12th play-off, 28 January 202