South Africa is a well-known opponent of Luxembourg at both junior and senior levels. Over the past ten years, the two teams have met five times at senior level, with Luxembourg winning three of those encounters.

This game on Friday afternoon in Istanbul carried high stakes: Luxembourg entered with no wins to its name, while South Africa had just beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina in their previous outing. A victory for South Africa would secure their place in Division 3A for next season, leaving Luxembourg’s hopes hanging by a thread before Sunday’s finale.

South Africa drew first blood in the ninth minute, but Luxembourg weren’t fazed. Captain Colm Cannon equalized two minutes later, finishing a move set up by birthday boy Thierry Beran. Near the end of the period, first-liner Claude Mossong – again assisted by Cannon – struck to give Luxembourg a 2–1 lead at the first intermission.

In the second period, 19-year-old defender Alex Mykkänen scored Luxembourg’s third goal. It was the first time in the tournament that anyone besides Cannon or Mossong had found the net for the Red Lions.

South Africa pulled one back in the third period, but in the dying seconds Cannon sealed the vital 4–2 victory.

Both teams now sit on three points. Luxembourg will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday; a win would plunge the group into a three-way tie. Under IIHF rules, goal difference between those 3 would then decide relegation—currently, Luxembourg’s is –15, South Africa’s –11, and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s –12. South Africa will close their campaign against Turkmenistan.

Sunday’s match is everything: can our Red Lions roar once more and defy the odds, or will Bosnia-Herzegovina pounce? Istanbul’s ice is set to ignite—don’t miss a second of the drama!