Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: Malaysia beat Pakistan 3-1 at Chennai
Sports
The green shirts will lock horns with arch-rivals India on Wednesday
CHENNAI, India (Web Desk) - Malaysia beat Pakistan by 3-1 goals in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, at Chennai, India on Thursday.
In the first quarter, Malaysia displayed some attacking game, as they made the circle penetrations but couldn't find a decisive touch. Malayasia won a penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Akmal Hussain thwarted the effort.
However, Pakistan didn't shy away and went for the attack. In that process, they also got a penalty corner in the 12th minute, but the Green-shirts failed to take the lead. Pakistan got another chance two minutes later, but they messed up the move and the first quarter ended 0-0.
Just before the end of the second quarter, Malaysia finally got rewarded for the consistent attacking game as Faizal Saari ensured a finish to break the deadlock. In the next minute, Malaysia struck another goal to go 2-0 ahead at the brink of the half-time hooter.
Pakistan, playing at the international level after a gap of seven months, showed resolve as they began the third quarter in an attacking manner. In the initial minutes, Abdul Hannan got a pass in the circle but couldn't hold the ball. The Green-shirts made another attempt, but the Malaysian defence line was well organised.
Pakistan also got a penalty corner after a circle entry from the left flank area, but Malaysia's Hafizuddin blocked the attempt.
Pakistan kept making efforts to stage a comeback into the game as they won yet another penalty corner, but Malaysia's well-oiled defence line blocked the attack. And three minutes later, Malaysia scored the third goal as Faizal Saari crafted a beautiful pass. At the end of the third quarter, Malaysia were 3-0 ahead.
Earlier, South Korea defeated Japan by 2-1 in first match. Six teams, including Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia are participating in the event.
The green shirts will lock horns with arch-rivals India on Wednesday. The 2023 Men's Asian Champions Trophy (officially known as The Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 for sponsorship reasons) will be the seventh edition of the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, a men's field hockey tournament for the six best Asian national teams organized by the Asian Hockey Federation.
Chennai earlier hosted 2007 Men's Hockey Asia Cup
