By IANS,
New Delhi : South Africa blanked Ukraine 2-0 to record their second successive victory in the women’s hockey Olympic qualifier at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here Sunday.
Ukraine was the surprise of Day One, forcing an excellent tie (1-1) against hosts India, while top ranked South Africa narrowly beat Poland (2-1).
The match was slow to pick up momentum. South Africa were inefficient on their first penalty corner, but it was once again ace-striker Pietie Coetzee who put them in the lead when she dove to intercept a defender’s pass and deflect it past the Ukrainian goal-keeper.
Lauren Penny scored the second after a scramble in the Ukrainian circle, with players crashing in the net and on the posts, and things were looking up for South Africa, going into the half-time break with a two-goal lead.
South Africa controlled play in second period, with Ukraine, possibly tired after their intense battle against India the night before. They however managed to keep the South African attackers at bay, and there was no score in the second half.