22 Jul 2017

Black Sticks manage win over Egypt

5:47 am on 22 July 2017

The New Zealand Mens Hockey Team have bet Egypt 2-nil at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Johannesburg.

Mackenzie Wilcox.

Mackenzie Wilcox. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The game was tied nil-all at half time but the Black Sticks capitalised on their chances in the second half, Nick Haig scored a penalty corner in the 36th minute.

Kane Russell then fired another shot into the back of the net in the 50th minute.

The win means they will now play either France or Ireland to place fifth in the tournament overall and earn automatic qualification to the Hockey World Cup in India next year.

Kane Russell said said it was a tough match against the Egyptians but it was good to record a win.

"It was a tough game for us today and we probably started a bit slowly - we would have liked to get some more out of our chances in the first half.

"We were able to hang on and put two goals on the board which was good and we need to come out firing for our last game to make sure we finish fifth and qualify for the World Cup," Russell said.

In semi-finals fixtures at the tournament, Spain play Germany while Belgium meet Australia to determine who progresses to the gold medal match.