CHENNAI: After three unsuccessful attempts, Pakistan registered their maiden victory in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Monday.
Pakistan, stacked with youngsters, held their nerves to edge out China 2-1. Following the result, Pakistan (5 points from 4 matches) are well and truly alive in the semifinal race while China (1 point from 4 matches) suffered the ignominy of becoming the first team to be knocked out of the ACT.
The in-form Muhammad Khan picked up from where he left off the previous day. Khan, who had netted a double in the 3-3 draw against Japan on Sunday, found the top right off a penalty corner to hand Pakistan a 1-0 half-time lead.
Behind at the break, China equalised just three minutes into the third quarter. Jiesheng Gao pierced the gap between Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal Hussain and 'postman' Arshad Liaqat to successfully convert a penalty corner. But Pakistan did not take long to restore their one-goal cushion as Afraz finished a neatly-worked move in the 39th minute.
Skipper Umar Bhutta produced a simple pass to Abdul Rana, who, from the left, crossed for an unmarked Afraz to connect at the far post. Moments after finding the right side of the board, Afraz celebrated what eventually proved to be the winner wildly.
After the final hooter, the Pakistan players and support staff, having come so near yet so far in their previous two matches, breathed a huge sigh of relief. Pakistan assistant coach Rehan Butt was beaming with pride after finally getting over the line in the ACT.
"The way the team is performing here is excellent. I have never seen such a young team compete, and even dominate, at the highest level. When these players get 50-plus caps each, this team will look different. We are looking to build a new team the same way India did before winning an Olympic medal (at Tokyo 2020)," said Butt.
Malaysia enter semifinals
Malaysia became the first team to advance to the semifinals after bagging a comfortable 3-1 victory over Japan. Less than 24 hours after being drubbed 0-5 by India, Malaysia got the winning feeling back, courtesy a goal each by Najmi Jazlan (13th minute), Azuan Hasan (37th) and Shello Silverius (59th). Takuma Niwa (59th) prevented Malaysia from keeping their first clean of the tournament, securing a consolation goal. Malaysia have nine points from four matches, seven points more than Japan.
RESULTS: Pakistan 2 bt China 1; Malaysia 3 bt Japan 1
