Hockey: Skipper Rani on target as Indian women reach semi-final

Skipper Rani Rampal's strike in the fourth quarter steered India to the semifinals of the women's hockey event at the 21st Commonwealth Games as they beat South Africa 1-0, here today.

India only required a draw to progress to the last-four stage as they already had six points from three matches before they faced South Africa. India qualified as the second- placed team from Pool A behind England, who topped by virtue of better goal difference.

The match-winner was scored in the fourth quarter after Navneet Kaur initiated an attack from the wide left with a forward pass for Vandana Katariya. Rani trapped Vandana's assist and turned to take a crack, leaving the South African custodian clueless.

The South Africans tried to make a comeback to the match but a strong defensive shape saw India sustain their lead till the final hooter.

"As a captain, I tell my team to believe in themselves and keep encouraging my team. In 2002, we won gold in women's hockey and this year, I want to bring the gold back to my country," skipper Rani said after the match.

On their potential face-off with Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday, Rani said:"It's exciting to play against the host nation. The whole crowd will be cheering for them. I need to thank our supporters in the last three games and we need to think positive and play strong."
"It was a tough match today against a strong team but the girls made the right choices and I am extremely proud of their performance."