The South African women’s hockey team’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games in Paris are officially over.

On Thursday night (1/8), South Africa lost 1-0 to Spain in a must-win game, but this was certainly not through a lack of trying.

In addition, South Africa needed the USA to beat Great Britain, however, the latter claimed a resounding 5-2 win. The nippy South African player Onthatile Zulu said a lack of goals throughout the tournament has hurt them.

Onthatile Zulu against Great Britain. Photo: FIH

“We’re very disappointed – we really wanted to fight for our country today and we knew that in coming into this game it was do-or-die, and I think the girls played really well,” said Zulu.

She thought they’d moved the ball well, adding: “I think we were better out there on the field. We just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net, and it takes goals to win games and unfortunately, we fell short again.”

She said throughout the games they’d come close. “It’s just a bit disappointing that every time we go out there and you know we played to the best of our ability. We’re just missing it slightly and it’s unfortunate what happened today.

“I think we had opportunities and to the rest in South Africa, I’m sorry we couldn’t do it today. We definitely fought out there and I know my teammates fought really hard as well to get a result today. Unfortunately, we came short – I’m still part of my teammates and we will do anything for South Africa.”

On Saturday at 13:15, South Africa will face the USA in their last game. Meanwhile, on Friday at 19:45, the South African men will sign off on their Olympic campaign when they face the hosts, France.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg/mvh