Mozambique's national roller hockey team, also known as the Ngonhamas, lost 4-6 to Israel on Thursday, September 19th, in a decisive match of the Challengers Championship, the World Championship Group C. This defeat, added to the previous loss against Uruguay by 5-3, eliminated Mozambique's chances of competing in the final of the competition and being promoted to the Intercontinental Cup, the second division of world hockey.
The match against Israel, held on Thursday morning, showed signs of physical fatigue among the Mozambican players, who faced an Israeli team motivated by their resounding 9-0 victory against Mexico. Israel started strong, with Assaf Keren Zur opening the scoring with two goals. Still in the first half, Diego Simões managed to reduce the deficit to 1-2, with 4:21 minutes remaining until halftime.
In the second half, the Ngonhamas managed to level the game again with another goal from Diego Simões, tying the match at 2-2 with 19:38 minutes remaining. However, Assaf Keren Zur was decisive once more, scoring three consecutive goals and putting Israel ahead 2-5. The situation for Mozambique became even more complicated with the expulsion of coach Bruno Pimentel, who received a red card after contesting a refereeing decision.
Even without their coach, the Mozambican team didn't give up. Artur Mapinguisse reduced the deficit to 3-5 with 5:20 minutes remaining. However, Assaf Keren Zur scored again, securing the sixth goal for Israel. In the end, Diego Simões completed his hat-trick, closing the score at 4-6.
With this defeat, Mozambique fails to qualify directly for the Challengers Championship final. The team plays again this Friday, September 20th, against New Zealand at 6:00 PM, and will play the qualifying matches on Saturday.
