Pakistan hockey team Monday secured inaugural victory Asian Champions Trophy, prevailing over China 2-1 fourth match tournament hosted by Chennai.
In the pivotal contest, Pakistani boys exhibited tremendous potential, successfully neutralizing China’s initial assault during the opening quarter, resulting score stalemate.
Pakistan defeat China in the Asian Champions Trophy
20th minute, Sufiyan Khan, representing Pakistan, capitalized penalty corner, delivering an opening goal match.
China reclaimed footing during the third quarter, Jiesheng Gao’s strike 33rd minute leveled the scoreboard. Six minutes later, Afraz’s precise shot sealed Pakistan’s 2-1 lead. Subsequent moments yielded no further goals, confirming Pakistan’s inaugural tournament victory.
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Next challenge: arch-rivals India, slated August 9. Triumph ensures a semi-final berth.
Earlier, Pakistan engaged in a thrilling 3-3 duel with Japan, staging a set 9th-minute equalizer. Abdul Rana ignited an early lead and erased Seren Tanaka’s equalizer. Sufyan Khan reestablished Pakistan’s advantage in the second quarter.
The third quarter witnessed Japan’s resurgence, and Takuma Niwa orchestrated leveling maneuver. Japan secured another goal prior quarter’s conclusion, and Masaki Ohashi capitalized rebound.
With mere minutes remaining, Sufyan Khan clinched a 3-3 draw.
Prior engagements: 1-1 tie Korea, 3-1 loss Malaysia.
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Pakistan and India are both triple Asian Champions Trophy winners.
2021: Korea secured title shootout victory over Japan.
All six teams contest five matches during the round-robin stage. Top four advance semi-finals on August 11, grand finale on the following day.