Ireland edged out by South Africa in FIH Hockey Nations Cup final

South Africa 4-3 Ireland

It took a final-quarter penalty stroke to separate Ireland and South Africa in a pulsating FIH Hockey Nations Cup final that didn't go Ireland’s way in Potchefstroom.

Ireland had almost double the shots on goal that South Africa did, but it was the cutting edge that the Irish were missing while the hosts were clinical in this high-stakes match.

Ireland never got in front in an enthralling encounter, although they managed to get back level from a 3-1 deficit in the third quarter to ensure a breathless last quarter.

Mark Tumilty’s men spent much of the match chasing the game, but with 10 seconds to go in the third quarter, John McKee scored Ireland’s third to draw things level and give his team a chance to win this historic, inaugural tournament.

An early field-goal from South Africa’s skipper knocked the stuffing out of the boys in green when they went behind in the fourth minute. Dayaan Cassiem, who finished the day as player of the match and player of the tournament, found space on the right of the Irish circle, lifted the ball over his defender's stick and roofed a bouncing ball to give his side an early lead.

Ireland then dominated play with a passing game, but South Africa showed more discipline today than in the encounter between these teams in the group stages. Ireland’s best chance of the first quarter came in the final minute when Jeremy Duncan received with his back to goal, spun and flicked in one movement and Ben Walker almost snuck his touch under the keeper.

Ireland continued their passing game in the second period, and it was a passing move that saw them win their first corner, from which Shane O’Donoghue duly scored. The defender’s sublime drag-flick was too quick for Hendrik Kriek in the