The Red Panthers clinched their first match in the women’s field hockey tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Colombes on Sunday.
Belgium’s women’s national team, the fourth-ranked worldwide, defeated China (FIH 8) 2-1 thanks to the brilliant efforts of Ambre Ballenghien (23′) and Charlotte Englebert (55′). Consequently, Belgium joins the Netherlands at the top of Group A.
The Red Panthers are set to play against France in their next match on Monday (20:15) in the showdown, shared by teams from the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan, and China. Group finals loom on the horizon for the top four teams whilst the rest face elimination.
Making a triumphant return to the Olympics after London 2012, this is the women’s national team’s second participation. The Panthers had previously finished 11th, just above the United States in the penultimate position.
After an initially cautious start, both teams enhanced their gameplay prior to half-time, with the Belgians breaking the ice. An unstoppable shot at the goal by Amber Ballenghien put the score at 1-0 (23′).
In the third quarter, Belgium had an opportunity to extend their lead following a fault by China; Unfortunately, Stéphanie Vanden Borre’s (36′) shot went wide. This missed opportunity proved costly for the Belgian players who conceded a goal to Yang Chen (46′, 1-1), just seconds after the start of the fourth quarter.
Relief arrived in the final minutes for Coach Raoul Ehren’s team when Charlotte Englebert, despite fierce opposition from three rival players, delivered a powerful pivot shot to claim a victorious 2-1 finish.
