South Africa and France both are in preparation for the Olympic Games taking place in Paris later this year. The South Africans earned their spot in the tournament winning the Road to Paris qualifier in Pretoria, while France is secured with their status as hosts. This series comes as a pivotal step in the buildup for both sides. South Africa lead the series after a 2-0 win in the opening game of the series on Wednesday night.
South Africa, playing at home and ranked slightly ahead of the French were looking for a second victory in the series at SACS in the Western Cape.
South Africa found the perfect start when a penalty corner variation saw Antonet Louw switch it to Charlene Boshoff and the young star playing in her second test match fired home to give South Africa a lead with her first international goal for the country.
South Africa had the best of the early exchanges, but it was France who were dangerous winning a number of penalty corners without converting. As it reached the half-time break with the score 1-0 in favor of the hosts.
At penalty corner number 7 early in the fourth quarter France would finally score. Albane Garot netting from a penalty corner. Her drive was hard and low into the bottom of the goal to restore parity.
South Africa were stirred into action looking for a go-ahead goal again and poured forward searching but were denied by good defense and bad decision making. Antonet Louw’s penalty corner was charged down, but Celia Seerane did some great work to re-feed Louw, and she made no mistake with the winner with just 3 minutes remaining.
South Africa lead the six-match series 2-0 with the third game taking place on Sunday afternoon. The games are live on the Supersport Schools website and app.
by South Africa
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