Amjad the hero as Pakistan set up final with India

Goalkeeper saves three consecutive penalties as Greenshirts down Malaysia

Our Correspondent October 30, 2016

Both semi-finals were decided on penalties as India defeated South Korea, while Pakistan overcame Malaysia. PHOTO COURTESY: AHF

KARACHI: Pakistan and India will lock horns in a mouth-watering Asian Champions Trophy final today after the two arch-rivals won their respective semi-final matches in Kuantan, Malaysia yesterday.

Both the semi-finals went down to the wire as India defeated South Korea 5-4 in the shoot-out, while Pakistan came from behind to overcome hosts Malaysia 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in normal time.

Goalkeeper Amjad Ali was the hero for the Greenshirts as he made three consecutive saves in the shoot-out to guide his side to victory.

Earlier in the match, the hosts, backed by a good number of home spectators, took the lead by scoring on a penalty corner in the second quarter after the first quarter ended without a goal.

Pakistan book final against India in Asian Champions Trophy 2016

Abdul Khan brought Pakistan back in the game as he netted the equaliser in the 34th minute.

Both teams then battled to find the winner but were unsuccessful in their attempts.

Pakistan head coach Khawaja Junaid praised his side’s fighting spirit. “My team has improved after every match,” said Junaid following the win. “They worked very hard to get back in the game when Malaysia went in front and deserve to be in the final.”

Junaid, meanwhile, predicted a high intensity match between the traditional rivals.

Pakistan target final at Malaysia’s expense

“It is always a test of nerves when Pakistan and India play in the final. The team which will control their emotions the best will win the contest,” said the former Olympian.

He further added, “One can be sure that we will give nothing but our best in the final against India.”

Earlier in the first semi-final, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh blocking the final attempt by South Korea as India claimed a 5-4 win on penalties.

Sreejesh padded away the ball from the stick of Lee Dae-Yeol to secure victory.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2016.

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