Scotland vs. South Africa (Ladies) 2026 Summer Test Series
Written by; Tao MacLeod
Results & Match Information
Venue; Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh Scotland
Sunday 02.08.2026
Scotland 2 – 0 South Africa (Ladies)
Goalscorers
Scotland
Heather McEwan 17th minute (Penalty Corner)
Amy Costello 57th minute (Penalty Corner)
Monday 03.08.2026
Scotland 2 – 3 South Africa (Ladies)
Goalscorers
Scotland
Charlotte Watson 10th minute (Penalty Corner)
Jen Eadie 30th minute (Penalty Corner)
South Africa
Ntsopa Mokoena 16th minute (Field Goal)
Ntsopa Mokoena 54th minute (Field Goal)
Ongeziwe Mali 59th minute (Field Goal)
Test Series Report
The first game of this two match series showed the basic elements that make up the identity of the opposing sides. Scotland, favourites based upon a slightly better world ranking, looked to dominate possession and move the ball around to create passing angles and opportunities inside the circle. South Africa, in comparison, looked quick on the break. They have some very fast and ambitious players, such as Onthatile Zulu, who are able to get behind defensive lines and this is what they looked to do on a regular basis. However, the tourists didn’t look particularly threatening for large chunks of the game. The Scots created a few chances in open play, but couldn’t convert. Both of Scotland’s goals came from short corners, a rebound from Heather McEwan in the 17th minute and then a straight shot from GB international Amy Costello in the 57th minute saw them take a two nil win.
In fact the hosts dominated the penalty corner stats. Over the two test matches, Scotland won a total of nine shorts, scoring four of them, without giving away a single foul in their own circle. The second game on Monday also saw the Scottish ladies take the lead twice through their set-piece efforts. Similarly to the first fixture the opening goal was scored from a second phase situation, this time finished off by Charlotte Watson in the 10th minute. South Africa then equalised with a field goal. It was a quick counter attack that epitomised their style of play. An attack down the left wing saw Ntsopa Mokoena with the ball in the space in the circle, tucking the ball away within 29 seconds of the restart of the second quarter. The South Africans dominated this period of the game. They had a number of chances and often had the Scots on the back foot. However, in the dying seconds of the first half, Jen Eadie scored a direct shot from another short corner giving the hosts the lead somewhat against the run of play.
The third quarter saw Scotland dominate possession, moving the ball from side to side, without creating many clear cut chances, or scoring any goals. A rather bland third 15 minutes saw nothing of particular note happen. However, in the final period we saw the game come alive. In the ninth minute of the fourth quarter, Stephanie Botha received the ball in the left half position. She beat her opponent and passed it long and inside to Ntsopa Mokoena up front. She found some space and again fired it past Jess Buchanan in the Scottish goal for another equaliser and her second of the game. Then, with just under two minutes to go in the game, Taheera Augousti picked up the ball in an attacking position on the left wing and flashed the ball towards the back post, at an angle. Ongeziwe Mali appeared in the perfect place to deflect it in to give the tourists the lead for the first time in the game. Scotlands superior possession suddenly seemed like a waste, as they looked to throw themselves forward to find a third goal of their own. However, one was not to be found, as the win went to their opponents.
Both teams will now travel to continental Europe for the FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The tournament will take place between the 15th and the 30th of August, 2026. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Australia, Chile and Japan. Scotland have been drawn in Pool B alongside Argentina, Germany and the USA, based in the Belgian city of Wavre. Pool C in the same city will see co-hosts Belgium, Spain, New Zealand and Ireland play each other. South Africa are in Pool D, playing their games in the Dutch city Amstelveen, with China, England and India.
