The final lived up to expectations as it ebbed and flowed, with both sides looking likely to win it at certain junctures of the game. PHOTO COURTESY: IHF
The Greenshirts had defied expectations to reach the final, showing some superb attacking verve in the process, and gave their fans a lot to cheer about as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 going into the final quarter with all the momentum behind them. But in the end it was India who struck the decisive goal against the run of play to claim the win.
Pakistan, ranked 13th in the world, seemed nervous to begin with but settled in nicely and carved out two presentable opportunities in the first quarter. However, they were unable to score from either of them and their profligacy came back to haunt them when Indian skipper Rupinder Pal scored from a penalty corner in the 18th minute.
Indian midfielder Sardar Singh then found Ramandeep Singh in the 21st minute and the striker promptly crossed for Affan Yousuf to deflect home and make it 2-0.
India beat Pakistan 3-2 in 2016 Asian Champions Trophy
Many would have been fearing a one-sided affair at that point but Pakistan were back in it just three minutes later as Aleem Bilal Ghumman made no mistake from a penalty corner, flicking the ball low into the bottom corner to give Indian goalkeeper Akash Chikte no chance.
Pakistan knew they had to come out and attack in the second half and that is precisely what they did, putting the Indians under pressure straight away.
Eight minutes into the half they were rewarded when Ali Shaan flicked the ball into the net to level the scoring and send the ample Pakistan support into raptures.
India were reeling at that point and Pakistan seemed the likelier side to score the winner but it was the Men in Blue who struck when Jasjit’s aerial ball found Ramandeep, who claimed his second assist of the night when he found Thimmaiah inside the box to make it 3-2.
Amjad the hero as Pakistan set up final with India
Pakistan had a chance to level the scoring in the 53rd minute from a penalty corner but drag-flicker Tasawar Abbas failed to convert.
India managed to see out their slender advantage and claim their second Asian Champions Trophy to tie with Pakistan as the tournament’s most successful team.
Pakistan head coach Khawaja Junaid praised the energy on show by both sides. “Both teams showed excellent skill on the ball and were much more composed than their last outing. It was a high-energy game and that was really impressive,” he said.
“Our players have started to improve with the experience they have gained from the tournament and will build on this in future tournaments,” he added.
Pakistan book final against India in Asian Champions Trophy 2016
Ali Shan, who scored the second goal for Pakistan, rued missed chances but was happy with the team’s performance. “We did our best; we missed some early chances but I’m happy with the way we played under pressure,” he told The Express Tribune.
Meanwhile, former Olympian Waseem Feroz hailed the team’s effort against a better-ranked and more experienced side. “Pakistan have not played international matches for a long time and India have players who have played more than 100 matches, so keeping than in perspective, Pakistan performed really well,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2016.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS (7)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ