Tuesday 26 / November / 2024
MUSCAT: After conceding an early goal, Pakistan bounced back to draw level with Japan 1-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat.
Japan drew first blood against the former world champions Pakistan in the 12th minute against the run of play, thorough a field goal by Kenji Kitazato to go 1-0 up in the first quarter.
Pakistan trying desperately for an equalizer in the second quarter seemed next to impossible as the minutes ticked by, despite holding sway over Japan by creating some constructive moves down the flanks, in doing so have received a caution from the umpire by sending of Ahmad Butt.
Down to 10 men Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner and in the 25th minute restored parity through Mubashar Ali who made no mistake in converting, ending the first half of play at 1-1.
Back after the half time break for the third quarter Pakistan began where they left of, using their flanks to create inroads, but the Asian Games gold medallists Japan are looking to beat the Pakistanis to have a semblance of chance to make it to the knockout stage, did well to keep the green shirts at arm’s length throughout the third quarter to see that there was no addition to the scoreline.
At start of the fourth quarter with both team still at 1-1 Pakistan who have enjoyed the upper hand throughout the first three quarters with a solitary goal to its credit have received a yellow card in the 54th minute with sending off of Aleem Bilal the top scorer for Pakistan.
So it has been another fruitless match as Japan did well to hold Pakistan to a 1-1 draw at the end of the final buzzer.
