India beat South Africa 2-1 on Wednesday to top pool D and set up quarterfinal clash against Spain in the Hockey Junior World Cup at Lucknow.

Mandeep Singh scored the winner in the 55th minute to hand India victory in the thrilling encounter. Earlier, skipper Harjeet Singh had sent India in the lead 11th minute.

South Africa’s Kyle Lion-Cachet made it 1-1 in the 28th minute to leave the game all square at half-time.

India mounted a number of chances on to the South African goal in the second half but could not get a breakthrough. Mandeep finally broke the deadlock with a brilliant back flick.

The win helped India remain unbeaten in their group.