The Indoor Africa Cup 2024 concluded yesterday with thrilling outcomes as Namibia’s men and South Africa’s women claimed gold, securing their spots at the upcoming FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 in Poreč, Croatia, from February 3-9, 2025.
Alongside them, South Africa’s men and Namibia’s women also booked their tickets to this prestigious event by finishing as silver medalists.
The men’s competition featured a fierce battle between South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana in a round-robin format. South Africa dominated the stage, winning all three of their matches to top the standings.
Namibia, as the hosts, also showed formidable strength, securing their place in the finals with comfortable victories over Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The round-robin match between South Africa and Namibia set the stage for an electrifying final, with South Africa narrowly winning 5-4. The final match proved to be even more dramatic.
After a goalless first half, South Africa scored two quick goals early in the third quarter, asserting their dominance. However, Namibia responded with resilience, scoring twice in the final two minutes of the third quarter to level the score.
The final quarter was a nail-biting affair. South Africa pulled ahead once more, only for Namibia to equalize, ending the regulation period with a 3-3 deadlock and sending the match into a shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, both teams initially matched each other with two goals apiece, leading to a sudden-death scenario. The tension was palpable as South Africa faltered first, and Namibia capitalized, sealing a 4-3 victory in the shoot-out to become the African champions.
The women’s competition mirrored the men’s in terms of intensity and excitement. South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana battled in the round-robin stage, with South Africa finishing at the top of the table with two wins and a draw.
Namibia had an identical record but finished second due to an inferior goal difference. The head-to-head encounter between South Africa and Namibia ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final.
In the final, both teams had already secured their spots in the FIH Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, but the title of African champions was still at stake. South Africa dominated the first half, scoring three unanswered goals and taking a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.
However, Namibia staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, scoring three goals of their own to tie the game and push it into a shoot-out.
The shoot-out was a tense affair, with both teams missing two attempts and scoring one, leading to a sudden-death phase. South Africa’s composure shone through as they scored their first attempt in sudden death, while Namibia missed theirs, crowning South Africa as the African champions.
Jamie Southgate, the captain of the South African women’s team, expressed immense pride in her team’s performance. “We are so proud of the team’s performance.
It’s a really happy moment to once again be the African champions and we are really looking forward to once again being in the Indoor Hockey World Cup,” she said.
The Indoor Africa Cup 2024 showcased the growing talent and competitive spirit of African indoor hockey. Both finals provided exhilarating entertainment, with dramatic comebacks and nail-biting shoot-outs, reflecting the high stakes and passion for the sport on the continent.
As Namibia and South Africa prepare for the global stage in Croatia next year, their performances in this tournament have already marked a significant milestone in African hockey history.
The successful hosting of the Indoor Africa Cup 2024 in Namibia also highlights the increasing capability of African nations to organize high-caliber international sporting events.
The enthusiastic participation and support from local fans added to the vibrant atmosphere, making the tournament a memorable experience for players and spectators alike.
Looking ahead to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025, both Namibia and South Africa will carry the hopes of the continent. Their performances at the Indoor Africa Cup have not only earned them their spots at the World Cup but also demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level.
With continued dedication and support, African teams can look forward to making a significant impact on the global indoor hockey scene.
Photo: FIH
