The South African women’s hockey team nearly pulled off a remarkable upset at the Olympic Games in Paris on Monday (29/7), only to run out of steam when it mattered most. SA led for the majority of their second-round game against Argentina at Stade Yves-du-Manoir, only to lose 4-2.

A goal by Antonet Louw of Bloemfontein in the 14th minute and Kayla de Waal in the 28th minute saw South Africa leading 2-1 deep into the final quarter. Argentina’s first-half goal came via a penalty corner early in the second quarter, which was scored by Agustina Gorzelany.

Antonet Louw. Picture: FIH

Argentina came out much stronger in the second stanza and they started to launch wave after wave of attack, which tested South Africa’s defence and discipline to the max.

However, a blitzkrieg of three goals in three minutes saw the medal contenders and second-ranked, Las Leonas, pull a rabbit out of a hat. Gorzelany converted two more penalty corners for her hat-trick, while Julieta Jankunas scored a stunning and powerful field goal. 

The South African captain, Quanita Bobbs, said she was proud of her team’s effort but towards the end, they ran out of steam which allowed Argentina to come back into the game.

“It was a tough day and it was hot out there,” said the highly experienced Bobbs. “First of all, we had a really great first half and we said we wanted to get the first outcome – which is to get the first goal and we did that. I’m proud of the girls for the effort today. 

“I think just the last quarter we ran out of steam and our basics just let us down. We just kept giving the ball away. With the Argentinian flair and attack, they capitalised on the opportunities.

“It was a great effort to be 2–1 up against the number two team in the world. I’m very proud of the girls. But, now we just have to rest and recover and make sure we come back strong for Great Britain.”

Louw, who is a product of the hockey factory in Bloemfontein, Oranje, in her turn, said it was a good effort and scoring a first Olympic goal is a dream come true. “I think we performed really well, although there are things we can improve on. 

“Going into the next game we are definitely going to work things both defensively and offensively. So yes, it was a good effort today,” said Louw. “It’s an awesome feeling – you work so hard to get here, and when you’re eventually here, it’s like the most surreal thing ever.”

South Africa has a rest day on Tuesday and on Wednesday, at 10:30, they will face Great Britain. On Tuesday morning, at 10:30, the men will be in action against Germany.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh