HEARTBREAK FOR MEN IN SHOOTOUT THRILLER IN CAPE TOWN

The Vantage Black Sticks Men have fallen heartbreakingly short of a place in the 2026 FIH Nations Cup final, losing to hosts South Africa in a shootout after an entertaining 2-2 draw in Cape Town.

Playing in front of a packed and passionate South African crowd, the hosts started brightly and controlled much of the early attacking territory. However, it was the Vantage Black Sticks who struck first through the in-form Kane Russell. The drag flick specialist unleashed another unstoppable penalty corner flick into the top corner to give New Zealand a 1-0 lead and move to the top of the tournament goal scoring charts.

South Africa responded in the second quarter, converting a penalty corner of their own to level the scores at 1-1 heading into halftime.

The hosts edged ahead in the third quarter with a well-worked field goal beating Dom Dixon in goal. The Vantage Black Sticks pushed hard for an equaliser, creating big chances through Kane Russell from a penalty corner and Sam Lane from open play, but both efforts were denied by the South African goalkeeper.

With time running out, New Zealand found a way back into the contest. Finn Ward reacted quickest to a penalty corner breakdown, deflecting the ball home with less than five minutes remaining to level the scores at 2-2 and send the semi-final to a shootout.

Unfortunately, the shootout belonged to South Africa. The hosts converted two of their three attempts, while the Vantage Black Sticks were unable to find the back of the net from their four opportunities, with South Africa claiming the shootout 0-2.

This marks the end of their 15 game winning streak at the Nations Cup.

Despite the disappointment, the Vantage Black Sticks remain in medal contention and will now face Japan in the bronze medal match tomorrow at 2:45am NZT as they look to finish their Nations Cup campaign on a high.

New Zealand Goal Scorers:

12' Kane Russell - Penalty Corner Goal

55' Finn Ward - Penalty Corner Goal