MUSCAT – Pakistan drew with Japan 1-1 in their fourth match of the round-robin phase at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament 2018 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Wednesday.
In the first half, Pakistan had more of the possession, however, Japan took the lead in the 11th minute. A swift right side move with neat passes resulted in Kitozato availing a return pass in the circle from a good spot.
Going behind, Pakistan made more meaningful attacks and equalised with the first penalty corner of the tie in the 25th minute.
Mubashar Ali whipped the ball into the board left side of the goalkeeper.
In the dying moments of the first half, Attique Arshad’s fine close-range attempt was well saved by the netminder. The pace slowed down in the third quarter and it was mainly a midfield show. Pakistan wasted their second PC.
Japan held the upper hand during the last 15 minutes when they had three penalty corners and a field attempt coming off the post.
Pakistan played four matches in the tournament so far, they won two, one lost and one draw.
The Green Shirts will play their last round-robin fixture against Malaysia on Thursday (today) at 06:55pm.
SCORERS:
Japan: Kitozato 11′
Pakistan: Mubashar Ali 25′ (PC)
