SA hockey men suffer last-minute World Cup loss to France

The South African men's hockey team were beaten 2-1 by France in a closely contested World Cup Pool A clash in Bhubaneswar, India, on Monday.

After losing their opening encounter with Argentina 1-0 last week, South Africa needed a win to give themselves a chance to progress to the crossovers section of the competition.

[FIH Hockey World Cup] A tremendous match of hockey but it ultimately ends in defeat with Victor Charlet's strike just two minutes from time. Hard lines boys and well done to @FF_Hockey #HockeyInvites #HWC2023 pic.twitter.com/pL2FF6zeU9

Unfortunately, a Victor Charlet goal in the fourth quarter secured France a hard-fought victory. 

Charlet had opened the scoring in the first quarter, but South Africa fought back to level the match thanks to Connor Beauchamp until Charlet scored the winning goal with just two minutes remaining.

South Africa will play their final pool match on Friday when they face Australia.