<p class="title">Skipper Rani Rampal's strike in the fourth quarter steered India to the semifinals of the women's hockey event at the 21st Commonwealth Games as they beat South Africa 1-0, here on Tuesday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">India only required a draw to progress to the last-four stage as they already had six points from three matches before they faced South Africa. India qualified as the second- placed team from Pool A behind England, who topped by virtue of better goal difference.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The match-winner came in the fourth quarter after Navneet Kaur initiated an attack from the wide left with a forward pass for Vandana Katariya. Rani trapped Vandana's assist and turned to take a crack, leaving the South African custodian clueless.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The South Africans tried to make a comeback but a strong defence saw India sustain their lead till the final hooter.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As a captain, I tell my team to believe in themselves and keep encouraging my team. In 2002, we won gold in women's hockey and this year, I want to bring the gold back to my country," Rani said after the match.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On their potential face-off with Australia in the semifinals on Thursday, Rani said: "It's exciting to play against the host nation. The whole crowd will be cheering for them. I need to thank our supporters in the last three games and we need to think positive and play strong."</p>.<p class="bodytext">The first quarter started with both teams creating opportunities but neither was able to make the most of their chances. It was South Africa's Jade Mayne who had a great chance to give her team the lead in the 10th minute when she found herself in front of India's goal but a weak shot saw Indian goalkeeper Savita effect a comfortable save.</p>
<p class="title">Skipper Rani Rampal's strike in the fourth quarter steered India to the semifinals of the women's hockey event at the 21st Commonwealth Games as they beat South Africa 1-0, here on Tuesday.</p>.<p class="bodytext">India only required a draw to progress to the last-four stage as they already had six points from three matches before they faced South Africa. India qualified as the second- placed team from Pool A behind England, who topped by virtue of better goal difference.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The match-winner came in the fourth quarter after Navneet Kaur initiated an attack from the wide left with a forward pass for Vandana Katariya. Rani trapped Vandana's assist and turned to take a crack, leaving the South African custodian clueless.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The South Africans tried to make a comeback but a strong defence saw India sustain their lead till the final hooter.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"As a captain, I tell my team to believe in themselves and keep encouraging my team. In 2002, we won gold in women's hockey and this year, I want to bring the gold back to my country," Rani said after the match.</p>.<p class="bodytext">On their potential face-off with Australia in the semifinals on Thursday, Rani said: "It's exciting to play against the host nation. The whole crowd will be cheering for them. I need to thank our supporters in the last three games and we need to think positive and play strong."</p>.<p class="bodytext">The first quarter started with both teams creating opportunities but neither was able to make the most of their chances. It was South Africa's Jade Mayne who had a great chance to give her team the lead in the 10th minute when she found herself in front of India's goal but a weak shot saw Indian goalkeeper Savita effect a comfortable save.</p>