JOHANNESBURG – Stopping a goal short of a dozen, the South African hockey women went on an 11-0 rampage in their Africa Cup of Nations match against Egypt in Ismailia.
Continuing her dream return to the national set-up after an injury enforced layoff, Dirkie Chamberlain, scored four goals in what was South Africa’s penultimate group match.
Chamberlain cemented her place at the top of the goal-scoring tally with seven after three rounds.
South Africa’s goal-fest came at almost a point every five minutes, exposing holes in Egypt’s defences like a watering can.
Sulette Damons, who scored a brace in the match, opened South Africa’s account in the fifth minute.
Chamberlain extended the lead two minutes later for her first of four goals, with the rest coming in the second half.
Sylvia van Jaarsveld, Stephanie Baxter and Lilian du Plessis, with a brace of her own, also got on to the score-sheet.
Chamberlain landed two go consecutive goals in the 48th minute before Du Plessis landed a final blow two minutes from time.
Pretty spoilt here in Ismailia with @stephi_baxter @25lafleur... thanks to @propertysa! #greenandgold #sahockeyrevolution #afcon2017 pic.twitter.com/9FIxpbz7MD
— Phumelela 🙌Mbande🇿🇦 (@phumz_24) October 26, 2017
The men’s match between South Africa and Egypt was the opposite of the women’s clash.
The two top sides finished a tit-for-tat battle in a 3-3 stalemate in what was considered a dress rehearsal of the final.
South Africa are chasing an eighth consecutive continental title, which would earn them a place in next year’s World Cup in India.
The first chukka finished scoreless, and it was only until late in the second quarter that South Africa managed to get the ball in the back of the box.
Taine Paton opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, with Nqobile Ntuli doubling the lead five minutes later.
Egypt reduced the deficit in the final minute before the half-time break courtesy of a Mohamed Husseinen.
The hosts equalised five minutes into the second half, thanks to an Ahmed Gamal goal with Ahmed Alganaini giving the Egyptians the lead for the first time in the match six minutes later.
South Africa managed to clinch a draw when Tim Drummond scored in the 48th minute.
@ockertde