The New Zealand women's hockey team are through to the final of the Champions Challenge in Capetown, South Africa despite a 1-0 loss to Japan overnight.
New Zealand will meet South Africa in the final tomorrow (3am NZ time).
The winner of the title decider is promoted to the Champions Trophy in 2010 at the expense of a demoted Australia.
Japan, ranked two places ahead of New Zealand at ninth in the world, needed to beat New Zealand by three goals to prevent the Black Sticks progressing to the final.
The Japanese scored through a Kana Nagayama field goal with just two minutes on the clock.
New Zealand controlled the match for long periods and put together a more cohesive performance, but the Japanese defence stood strong.
Emily Naylor continued her strong tournament and Bianca Russell performed well in goal making some excellent saves.
New Zealand was awarded three penalty corners in the second half, but could not convert.
Clarissa Eshuis had to leave the field in first half to receive stitches to her head. She was able to return to the game in the second half.
Kayla Sharland injured a hamstring late in the game and was to be reviewed today.
- NZPA
Black Sticks through to final
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