Olympic hockey qualifier final: India face tough test vs South Africa

The Indian women's team will take on South Africa in the title clash of the Olympic hockey qualifiers at the Dhyan Chand Stadium on Saturday.

They had entered the final on Friday after beating Italy 1-0 and finishing second behind World No.12 South Africa (13) with 10 points in the qualifying table.

The team that wins this game will make it to the 2012 London Olympics. India's women's team has not made it to the Olympics since 1980, which is why this opportunity becomes even more significant.

The Indian eves have defied expectations in reaching the summit clash that now sees them only one step away from competing at the London Games. However, their task is cut out against South Africa, a team that although placed only one spot ahead of India in the world rankings, was the only one to beat the hosts in an earlier qualifying match.

The fact that South Africa won that game 5-2 is also a cause for concern. However, boosted by their entry into the final and with the motivation to book their flights to London, India will hope for a turaround in this game against the African nation.

India will rely on its key players Rani Rampal, Ritu Rani, Soundarya Yendala and captain Asunta Lakra, who have all been impressive in the tournament so far. 

India's men's team has also made it to the final and will square off with France on Sunday.