Pakistan recorded a 3-2 win over Malaysia in inaugural Asian Champions Trophy, which began Saturday in Ordos, China. After the match was locked at 2-2 at the end of the first half, the green-shirts managed to pull the winner in second half to record a 3-2 win. Shakeel Abbasi, Mohammad Imran and Haseem Khan scored one goal each for Pakistan in the match.
--- India trounce China 5-0
--- South Korea defeat Japan in hard-fought contest
In another match, India beat hosts China 5-0 on Saturday. In first half, India led 2-0 with goals from Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th) and Yuvraj Walmiki (21st). In second half, India scored through Rupinder Pal Singh (41st), Rajpal Singh (43rd) and V Raghunath (62nd). In earlier match, opener of tournament, South Korea beat Japan 3-2 in a hard-fought contest.
It was slow start for both teams with China looking handicapped due to absence of four of their best players missing the tournament with injuries. Indian forwards scored early fifth-minute goal. China tried to build through but Rupinder Pal Singh was terrific in defence. In 19th minute, China almost got through but Rupinder in sliding tackle took out ball, while falling on turf also cleared it away to midfield. India play Japan on Sunday. The green-shirts 3-2 win over Malaysia in inaugural Asian Champions Trophy, which commenced in China on Saturday, delighted national chief selector Hanif Khan who said that the litmus test of sending young players has started giving positive results.
"There is enormous pressure on us (selectors) when we select young players. However, we took the chance and have sent a team in Asian Champions Trophy with young players. I am very happy to see that they have won their first match and I hope they would do well in matches to come in the event," the former Olympian told newsmen.
Hanif said that they want to see how the youngsters play and handle the pressure against foreign teams and their selection for all-important Olympics team would depend on the evaluation of all players in tournaments such as Asian Champions Trophy. "We are observing all players and our selection of team for Champions Trophy and very important assignment of Olympics would depend on their performance in tournaments like this one. We have sent a young side in China so that we could ascertain where our youngsters stand and whether they are able to handle the pressure of international matches," Hanif added.
Comments
Comments are closed.