Credit: Ice Hockey Luxembourg

The Luxembourg national team has once again become a contender for gold following its win over rival South Africa yesterday at the IIHF Division III Ice hockey World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Following Tuesday night’s loss to Chinese Taipei, this win as well as Turkey's unexpected victory in its match against Chinese Taipei means that the Lions are now back in the running for their second gold medal in the past three years. But first, they will have to defeat rivals Turkmenistan and Bulgaria in their remaining two games.

The opening twenty minutes of the Luxembourg - South Africa game was off to a rough start, with the latter attacking with ferocity, speed and intent. Within minutes, Luxembourg's Marcus Anselm was called upon time and time again to make outstanding saves against odd-man rushes. With the Lions on the back foot and scrambling in defence, Pit Sinner took the first penalty of the day. The penalty was successful but momentum remained in South Africa’s corner. Their persistent attacks paid off in the fifth minute when Samaai Uthman gave the underdogs their first lead at this tournament.

The Lions managed to escape the first period with a 1-1 draw but were out-shot 14-3. The tables turned in the second period, however, with Luxembourg's barrage of attacks being rewarded in the 35th minute of the game: the team scored two goals in 16 seconds. Luxembourg went on to end the second period with a 4-1 lead.

The third period was tougher, but ultimately Luxembourg won the game with a final score of 5-2 against South Africa.

In the following match-up, Turkey shocked the division coming back from 3-1 down to beat Chinese Taipei 4-7 - a result that has put Luxembourg back in control of its own gold medal destiny. Next up for Luxembourg is another must-win game against Turkmenistan today at 15:30 CEST.