Day 2 of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025 witnessed more thrillers, with two strong contenders emerging in Egypt and United States, with both teams winning a second consecutive game on the trot. Egypt's win also ensured them of a place in the semi-final that will be played on Saturday, 22 Feb, while USA are one point away from booking their place in the semi-final, as Austria's narrow win over Scotland keeps Pool B completely open going into the final day of pool matches on Thursday, following a rest day tomorrow.
China 1 – 1 Poland
For the second day in a row China made a lightning quick start to the game, however, unlike against Egypt yesterday, China managed to get on the board against Poland early with Chao Jeiming scoring with a back post tap in, in the second minute of the game. While both teams created plenty of chances in the first half, no more goals were scored with both defences holding down the fort and not even conceding a penalty corner, despite multiple circle penetrations.
Poland were more threatening after the break, winning 6 penalty corners over the course of the second half, but the Chinese defence, especially keeper Gu Runze stood firm and kept the Polish out until the final minute. As China looked to protect their one goal lead, Polish pressure mounted and a poor tackle by Qijun Chen with 5 seconds left on the clock gave Poland a penalty stroke which was promptly smashed in by Gracjan Jarzyński to earn Poland a crucial point at the death to take their tally to 4 points in two games.
Chinese keeper Gu Runze was awarded player of the match for his stellar performance in the goal that almost led to a Chinese win, and ended up earning them their first point of the tournament.
Chile 1 – 3 Egypt
An end to end start to the game saw Chile capitalise, converting on their first penalty corner of the game in the 6th minute through a roaring Juan Amoroso drag flick. It took Egypt multiple circle penetrations to score their opener but when they did it was glorious with Mohamed Nasr beating 4 defenders and the goalkeeper before passing it to Ahmed Elganaini who had an open goal to tap the ball into, leveling the score at 1-1 which would hold till the half time.
With a win guaranteeing a semi-final spot for Egypt, they had a huge opportunity midway through the third quarter to grab the lead through a penalty stroke, but the usually reliable Mahmoud Mamdouh put his effort wide, giving Chile a lifeline. Two penalty corner goals in the final quarter for Egypt finally put the game to bed, making Egypt the first semi-finalists at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025!
Mohamed Nasr who created the opening goal for Egypt with his magical run was awarded player of the match, and speaking about his assist he said: “Ahmed and I play together a lot including in club hockey so we have a really good understanding. I knew if I could get the ball to him, he would be in the right place to finish and that's exactly what he did.”
Scotland 2 – 3 Austria
Scotland were the stronger of the two European sides in the opening exchanges but it took them until the 26th minute to get the lead when Jamie Golden ripped a drag flick into the top left corner from Scotland’s third penalty corner of the game. Austria made some headway late in the final minutes of the opening half through a string of penalty corners, but Scotland’s rushing ensured they entered the half with the lead.
Austria didn’t have to wait long to equalise though, with Moritz Frey finding Josef Winkler who tapped the ball into an open goal less than five minutes into the second half. They also managed to snatch the lead in the final minute of the third quarter, where a busted penalty corner attempt still led to the ball ending up with captain Steyrer who converted from close range. Fulop Losonci added a third for the Red Capricorns doubling their lead in the final quarter, and while Golden scored his second to half the deficit, Scotland couldn’t find the equaliser, giving all three points in the crucial tie to Austria.
USA 4 – 0 Oman
Following a 10-1 loss on opening day, Oman were heavy underdogs coming into the game against USA, who looked amongst the strongest contenders on day one. But Oman gave a much better account of themselves in the opening half against USA, especially in the midfield where they played with much better control. USA still managed to get into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, but Oman had a great chance to go level with a few seconds left in the half from a penalty corner, which was cleared off the line after an almighty scramble.
Two trends from their opening match followed USA into the second game. First it was a missed penalty stroke that could have doubled their lead early in the third quarter. The second one was more positive however with Sekayi Charasika scoring from a penalty corner for a second game in a row, doubling the Americans lead in the third quarter. Charasika added a second and Motta scored in the final minute as USA came away with the three points, and just one point away from securing a semi-final spot.
Sekayi Charasika was awarded the player of the match and gave a shout-out to his teammates, saying: “Really proud and happy at how the group welcomed me into the fold over the past couple of months. We started training together in December and to start the tournament with 2 wins in 2 games is a real pleasure.”
To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, click here.
FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 – 18 February 2025
Hockey Oman Venue, Muscat, Oman
Result: Match 1
China 1-1 Poland
Player of the match: Gu Runze (CHN)
Umpires: Titus Mulwa (KEN), Ilanggo Kanabathu (MAS)
Result: Match 2
Chile 1-3 Egypt
Player of the match: Mohamed Nasr (EGY)
Umpires: Jayden Pearson (AUS), Clare Barwood (WAL)
Result: Match 3
Scotland 2-3 Austria
Player of the match: Florian Hackl (AUT)
Umpires: Tyler Klenk (CAN), Sourabh Rajput (IND)
Result: Match 4
USA 4-0 Oman
Player of the match: Sekayi Charasika (USA)
Umpires: Benjamin Messerli (SUI), Sheena Hori (JPN)
