KUALA LUMPUR – South Africa won the bragging rights in the battle of African giants as they defeated Egypt in their second Group B match of the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup today at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
South Africa won the match 3-2, solidifying their position as contenders to make it to the quarterfinals.
However, Egypt’s head coach, Mostafa Khalil, said the Pharaohs could have easily won the match if the rain hadn’t interrupted their game in the third and fourth quarters.
“We were dominating the whole game and won seven penalty corners throughout the match.
“It rains in Egypt, but it was never as heavy as it is in Malaysia, and it hindered our chances of clinching the important win.
“We were never afraid of South Africa as we have faced them several times in the past. It’s just that our players are unable to play when there’s too much water on the turf.
“But we are not complaining, as the Bukit Jalil drainage system was fantastic. It’s just that our players could not adapt to the situation.
“I’m happy that our players are getting as much exposure as they can in this tournament, and we hope to end our campaign on a positive note against Germany on December 8,” said Mostafa in a post-match conference today.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s head coach, Guy Elliott, commended his team’s performance and hopes to win their final group match to make it to the last eight of the competition for the first time in their history.
“Every time we play Egypt, it’s a tough match, like playing a local football derby.
“Both us and Egypt have always battled against each other in the African region, and whenever we play against each other, our players get emotionally charged.
“I’m happy that we came out victorious in this match, and we also need to give our opponents some credit for putting up a good fight.
“We have never qualified for the quarters in the Junior World Cup, and we want to create history by doing so with a win against France on Friday,” said Elliott.
South Africa scored through Cameron Le Forestier (11th), Calvin Davis (14th), and Jaydon Brooker (26th).
Egypt’s goals were scored by Hossameldin Ragab in the 22nd and 38th minutes through penalty corners. – December 6, 2023