Pakistan edge Japan to reach U21 final

KARACHI: Pakistan under-21s defeated Japan 2-1 in their semi-final of the Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Both teams had the chance to qualify for the summit clash against Australia, who had already cruised into the final. Japan needed just a draw but it was a must-win game for Pakistan.

It was a real cliffhanger which went down to the wire as Japan were awarded a penalty corner with just 10 seconds to go in the match as Pakistan’s Ammad Butt committed an avoidable foul outside the circle. But the strike was well saved by Pakistani goalkeeper Muneeb, who cleared the ball away. 

Pakistan dominated the first 15 minutes of the match with well-concerted attacks. They had open chances and converted two penalty corners.

The first arrived in the 4th minute. An Abu Bakr’s stinger went into the top left corner of the net. They had to wait for only seven more minutes to double their lead. A clever back pass from the right side was met with a fierce Abu Bakr’s angular hit which sounded the right corner of the board.

It seemed Pakistan would run riot over the Japanese but they recovered from the double jolt. After wasting a penalty corner, Japan managed to halve the deficit in the 21st minute. There was an unchallenged long run along the left flank which was expertly picked by Ogawa who flicked in to score.

Pakistan failed to avail themselves of two more penalty corners before the hooter.

The second half was also exciting but the pace was not really electrifying.

Pakistan had a close shave in the 11th minute. Thereafter, the Green-shirts got more opportunities, including two penalty corners. A two-touch variation didn’t pay off in the 5th penalty corner.

The best field chance fell to Mohsin Sabir. He was given a pass at the top of the circle with plenty of time to execute. From an ideal position, he hit it powerfully but missed the target.

Pakistan will meet Australia in the final on Sunday (today).