HULUNBUIR: Pakistan easily defeated hosts China 5-1 on Thursday at the Moqi Hockey Training Base to advance to the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy semi-finals, potentially setting up a matchup with bitter foe India.
Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid each scored two goals in a commanding performance, while Abdul Rehman added another to give Pakistan a comfortable victory.
Pakistan had defeated Japan 2-1 in their opening encounter of the tournament on Wednesday, and this was their second victory overall.
Ammad Shakeel Butt, the captain of Pakistan, set an exemplary example as his squad demonstrated their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Abdul Rehman opened the score in the 23rd minute, while Nadeem doubled the lead in the 36th and 56th minutes, respectively. The goals came in quick succession. Then Hannan seized the lead, netting goals in the 46th and 60th minutes to finish off the demolition.
Hannan, the game’s hero, stated in the post-match interview, “We have worked hard as a team and these results are part of a collective team effort.”
Pakistan’s improved discipline was also a major element in their triumph, with the squad committing only one foul during the encounter.
“We were giving up too many cards earlier, but we’ve corrected our errors and are now in control of them,” Hannan continued.
Gao Jiesheng gave China’s lone goal in the 48th minute, although it was insignificant in a contest that Pakistan dominated from beginning to end.
Pakistan’s victory puts them in the semi-finals alongside India, perhaps serving as a practice run for the championship match when the two sides play their last group encounter on Saturday.
Hannan said, “I share a positive relationship with Indian players and I consider them as my brothers,” demonstrating his appreciation for his Indian peers.
He did, however, quickly clarify that Pakistan will play to their strengths and do everything in their power to win on match day.
Prior to this, India, the tournament’s incumbent champions, defeated South Korea 3-1 thanks to goals from Araijeet Singh Hundal and a brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh.
With their win, Pakistan is guaranteed to place no lower than third in the competition, which is a big improvement over their prior results.
