Ireland 1-0 South Africa
The Ireland women's team concluded their campaign at the Hockey World Cup with a 1-0 win against South Africa in their 13th/14th place play-off match.
Enterprising play from Niamh Carey set up sister Michelle for the only goal of the game on 14 minutes as the Irish withstood a stubborn South African challenge.
A week on from their narrow loss to Belgium which ended their hopes of further progression, Gareth Grundie's side then entered a pool stage to determine their final ranking match.
Defeats to Scotland and the USA led them to today's encounter and a sign-off victory.
FT: Ireland 1-0 South Africa - Michelle Carey, after being set up by her sister Niamh, with the only goal as the Irish edged the 13th/14th place play-off at the Hockey World Cup #rtesport pic.twitter.com/0EiWSifBrM
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 27, 2026
Ireland dominated the opening minutes, but South Africa sent an early warning shot as they called goalkeeper Lizzy Murphy into action to keep the game scoreless. Ireland regained control, manufacturing several attacking opportunities, the best of which coming from a penalty corner which was charged down.
Ireland's breakthrough eventually came when Carey drove with purpose down the left flank making her way into the South Africa circle and playing a perfect ball to twin sister Michelle who was well positioned on the back post to turn into the net.
Three penalty corners in quarter two, and an effort at goal provided Ireland with opportunities to extend their lead before half-time but South Africa were equal to the efforts to keep the score at 1-0 in Ireland’s favour.
South Africa began the second-half with some early energy, but Ireland quickly wrested back control and won a penalty corner. Caoimhe Perdue’s flick at goal looked destined for the back of the net, but a last minutes touch took it wide of the post.
The penalty corners continued to come for Ireland in the final quarter as they looked to put the game to bed, but once again the South African defensive unit stepped up to deny them.
With five minutes to play, South Africa withdrew goalkeeper Morgan De Jaeger in favour of an additional outfield player. Ireland did well to deny them any ground until the final minute when they found a route into the Irish circle to win a penalty corner.
Murphy stepped up from the set piece to boot the ball clear, settling the Irish nerves and securing a 1-0 win for her side.
