Pakistan beat South Korea 1-0 in ACT Hockey

KUANTAN, Malaysia: Pakistan hockey team Friday won their second match of the ongoing 4th Asian Champions Trophy, defeating South Korea 1-0 here at the Malaysian city of Kuantan.

Haseem Khan scored the only goal of the match in the last minute, off a penalty corner. Aleem Bilal pushed the ball towards the left side of the goal and Haseem Khan dived to flick the ball in to give Pakistan a well deserved victory.

Unlike Thursday’s match, Pakistan appeared well composed from the beginning.

Although the 60-minute play saw just one goal but there were plenty of thrills in the game which saw attacking play throughout.

Korea couldn’t make of their seven penalty corners though four of them came in succession.

Pakistani rushers Ejaz and Rizwan Senior through their fast sprints halted the opponents’ penalty corner strikes on the top of the circle taking them on stick or foot.

On a couple of occasions, when the Koreans opted for indirect drill, Pakistani defence was up to the task. Pakistanis displayed good team work and understanding.

They had more possession and made seven attempts on the goal of the 17 circle penetrations as compared to Korea’s five out of 13.

Pakistan will now face traditional rivals India on Sunday. Many rate India as the favourites but after Friday’s show Pakistan should enter the field with enhanced confidence.