MUSCAT – Pakistan beat South Korea 3-1 in the opening match of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, on Friday.
According to reports reaching here, the two champions dominated the possession throughout the match, had several circle penetrations, created quite a few chances and availed.
@PHFOfficial win their 1st match of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018!#AsiaHockey #MensHockey #HeroACT2018 pic.twitter.com/zstiARyb59
— Asian Hockey Federation (@asia_hockey) October 19, 2018
In the 12th minute, a delightful move starting from the own half saw the ball passed superbly and Umar Bhutta laid it in the path of Ajaz Ahmad in front of goal who easily put it in.
Similarly, in the 18th minute, some excellent passing inside the circle saw Umar Bhutta attempt saved superbly by the goalkeeper but Bhutta availed the rebound in a flash of an eye.
Pakistan v Korea | Men’s 2018 Hero Asian Champions Trophy at Musqat Oman…..
match update
Pak 2. Korea 0@PHFOfficial @hockeyoman @FIH_Hockey #PakvKorea #hockey #oman #HeroACT2018 pic.twitter.com/ME8Z4jsQBE— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) October 19, 2018
Though Korea did better in the third quarter still Pakistan had more of the play. They made meaningful raids and in the 42nd minute, Rizwan Sr stepped aside two defenders and his terrific top of the circle carpet hit went through the goal keeper’s pads.
In the 51st minute, a brilliant Korean play made the match alive. An excellent angular backhander from circle’s left side reached an unmarked Kim Hyeoinjgin in a good spot who made it 1-3 Pakistan will play arch-rivals India Saturday at the same venue.(PR)
