Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh converted two penalty corners as India beat host South Africa 4-2 to set up a title clash with Belgium in the Champions Challenge tournament here on Saturday.
Sandeep's goals, which came in the 44th and 49th minutes, enabled India to surge ahead after the teams were locked 2-2. V.R. Raghunath (13th) and Sarvanjit Singh (40th) were the other scorers for India. South Africa's goals came through Marvin Harper (eighth minute) and Thronton McDade (22nd).
Brisk pace
The semifinal was played at a brisk pace and South Africa opened the scoring when Drummond picked up a long through ball and passed it for Harper to flick home. India, however, equalised through Raghunath's penalty corner conversion five minutes later.
South Africa capitalised on another defensive lapse when McDade found some space in the circle after collecting Harper's cross and his rasping shot put the host 2-1 ahead.
India drew level five minutes into the second session when Sarvanjit scored with a reverse flick after Sardara Singh's shot got stopped.
Sandeep then scored two goals in quick time as India pulled ahead decisively.
India managed to thwart the South Africans despite two players — Arjun Halappa and Tushar Khandekar — being sent off the field for 10 minutes each late in the second half.
In the other semifinal, Belgium defeated Argentina 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out after the scores were level 2-2 in regulation period and extra-time.
The results (semifinals):
India 4 (Sandeep 2, Raghunath, Sarvanjit) bt South Africa 2 (Harper, McDade); Belgium bt Argentina 3-2, via penalty shoot-out (regulation period 2-2).
