(MalaysiaCliffNews): After a morale shattering 1-8 loss to Australia, Pakistan under 21 showed remarkable character and bounced back within 24 hours with a 2-1 win over Japan to make it to the final at Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey in Johor Bahru (Malaysia). Both the sides entered the field looking to qualify for the final against Australia.
Pakistan had to win; for Japan even a draw could do. It was a real cliff hanger which went to wire. Japan were awarded a penalty corner with just 10 seconds to go as Ammad Butt committed an avoidable foul way outside the circle. After poor stopping at the top of the circle, the Japanese had another chance but the hit was well saved by Pakistani goal keeper Muneeb, and ball was cleared. All the Pakistanis present erupted into celebrations. Pakistan began well and dominated the first 15 minutes with well concerted attacks. They had open chances as well as two penalty corners. Both the penalty corners yielded goals. 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. Off the second PC, the ball remained in the circle for some time. A clever back pass from the right side was met with a fierce Abu Bakr angular hit which sounded the right corner of the board.
It seemed Pakistan would run over the Japanese but the East Asians recovered from the double jolt. After wasting a PC, Japan manged to halve the deficit in the 21st minute. There was an unchallenged long run along the left flank and the minus from the goal line was expertly flicked in by Ogawa, who was surprisingly left unmarked. Pakistan couldnt avail two more penalty corners before the hooter. Second half was also exciting though the pace not as electrifying. Pakistani goal had a close shave in the 11th minute. Thereafter, Greenshirts had more opportunities including two PCs. A two touch variation didnt work off the 5th penalty corner. Abu Bakr pushed the ball back to the injector whose push missed the target. On the last PC, the stoppage was poor. The best field chance fell to Mohsin Sabir. He was given a pass at the top of the circle with all the time. From an ideal position, he shot well above the bar.Suspense prevailed and then that Japanese penalty corner came in the last moments. It was a well deserved victory for Pakistan who meet Australia in the final tomorrow.
SCORERS:
Pakistan: Abu Bakr 4′ & 11′
Japan: Ogawa 21″
PIC: PAKISTAN CELEBRATE ONE OF ABU BAKR’S 2 GOALS VS JAPAN
