Argentina scored three late goals in the fourth quarter as they sealed a come-from-behind win against South Africa in their Olympics Women’s hockey clash in Paris on Monday.
South Africa, who began their campaign with a narrow loss to Australia on Sunday, were quickest out of the block when Marie Louw gave them the lead in the 15th minute of the first quarter.
Argentina pulled one back through Augustina Gorzelany, two minutes into the second quarter, but the teams went into the break with South Africa leading 2-1 after Kayla de Waal restored the lead on the stroke of half-time.
The third quarter was a quiet affair, however, Argentina were forced to play with two woman less after Sofia Cairo and Victoria Saude Valdez were shown green cards. South Africa, unfortunately, were unable to take advantage.
And with the game reaching its climax, and South Africa looking to hold on for the win, Argentina showed their class to snatch the victory.
Gorzelany scored her second of the game when she leveled scores in the 49th minute, and completed her hat-trick three minutes later when she put Argentina in front for the first time.
And with South Africa now chasing the match, Julieta Jankunas put the result beyond doubt when she put the ball in the goal to give Argentina a 4-2 victory.
Despite losing their first two games, South Africa have three games remaining, and could still find themselves in the play-offs for a medal. They take on Great Britain on Wednesday, Spain the following day, and the United States on Saturday.
SA skateboarder Brandon Valjalo misses out on final
Earlier on Monday, American Jagger Eaton, the bronze medallist in Tokyo and 2023 world champion, qualified for the men’s skateboard final with a top score of 274.88.
South Africa’s Brandon Valjalo could only manage 12th place after a score of 197.17.
End of the road for SA badminton star Johanita
In the women’s badminton singles, South Africa’s Johanita Scholtz’s road came to an end when she was beaten in straight sets by Jin Wei Goh of Malaysia.
Goh won 23/21, 21/11 in an encounter that lasted a little over 30 minutes.
IOL Sport