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India will face Belgium in the final of Champions Challenge hockey after defeating South Africa for the second time earlier today. Michael Nobbs’ men defeated host nation South Africa 7-4 during the group stages and they managed to defeat them again for the second time just now with a scoreline of 4-2.
South Africa controlled the game for large periods but India’s superiority shone in the second half as goals from VR Raghunath, Sarwanjit Singh and two goals from star man Sandeep Singh sealed the deal for them.
South Africa took the lead within eight minutes into the game as Drummond placed in a great pass for Harper and the latter made no errors by stucking in home to give the host nation the lead. But five minutes later, India were back in the tie when Raghunath continued his great form in the tournament so far by dispatching a penalty corner into the goal to restore parity.
But South Africa dictated the match and never allowed India to be in possession for long periods, putting them under immense pressure at times. They got back their lead in the 22nd minute when McDade’s soft ball went pass Bharat Chetri easily and the 2-1 score remained until the break. It was evident that South Africa were the superior team and India would need to really up their game to secure a win.
As said, India came out for the second half in blazing mode and Sarwanjit Singh made it 2-2 with a well taken field goal, after an assist from Sarwanjit Singh in the 44th minute. After that, it was all attack mode for India as they pressed immensely for their third goal. Predictably, a flurry of Indian attack lead to their two goals in the 45th and 50th minute by no one else, but Sandeep Singh
Sandeep continued his exeptional penalty corner conversion form by flicking in both penalty corners home. It gave India an impeccable 4-2 lead and confidence was restored. South Africa attempted to make a comeback by pushing hard towards the last 20 minutes, but the tough and resilient Indian defensive set-up brushed off all opposition attempts. Arjun Halappa in particular impressed with his runnings in midfield but on an overall note, Bharat Chetri, who saved a one on one shot from Norris-Jones in the 48th minute and Sandeep Singh were the stars of the day as India marched into the final in style.
They will now face Belgium, who defeated Canada earlier in the day, in the final. If their group stages encounter, which ended 3-3, were to be taken into consideration, an explosive match can be expected from the final.
