Birmingham, Aug 7, Desh Click News
The Indian men's hockey team set itself for its third medal ever in the Commonwealth Games as it made it to the final, prevailing over South Africa 3-2 in a closely-fought semifinal here on Saturday.
India, who won silver medals in the 2010 and 2014 editions of the games, was expected to romp to victory as they had easily beaten South Africa in the FIH Pro League. But the Proteas put up a good fight on Saturday. having stunned New Zealand 4-3 in their last league match to qualify for the semifinals, the South Africans wanted to do their best against India and did not give them many easy chances.
Abhishek (20th min'), Mandeep Singh (28th min), and Jugraj Singh (58th min) scored the goals for India. Ryan Julius (33rd min) and Mustapha Cassiem (59th min) scored the goals for South Africa.
India enjoyed 53 per cent possession while South Africa has 47 percent. The Indians also made 35 circle penetrations in attack while South Africa could manage only 23.
But the Indians found the going tough and has to wait till the second quarter for their first goal .