Hockey WC: Canada, South Africa play out 1-1 draw

Canada drew 1-1 against South Africa in their Pool C match of the ongoing men's Hockey World Cup here at the Kalinga hockey stadium on Sunday.

Nqobile Ntuli's field goal in the 43rd minute for South Africa was cancelled out by Canada skipper Scott Tupper's penalty stroke in the 45th minute.

In the first quarter, world number 15 South Africa not only maintained better ball possession but also dominated the world number 11 Canadian side with more accurate passing at regular intervals, but couldn't convert into goals.

After going into the break at 0-0, South Africa's Nqobile Ntuli took the lead in the 43rd minute through a fine reverse stick field goal. But their happiness short-lived as Canada skipper Scott Tupper levelled the match two minutes later when Canada were awarded a penalty stroke.

The temperature increased considerably in the final quarter as the forward lines of both teams began their attack. South Africa took out their goalkeeper to bolster their attack. The move almost paid dividends as South Africa got their sixth penalty corner in the 57th minute but they wasted away the opportunity.

As both the teams earned a point each, Canada will play hosts India, while South Africa, with a goal difference of -5, need to avoid defeat when they face Belgium in their last Pool C match on December 8.