Late Mahmood strike saves Pakistan's blushes against Japan

58th minute goal helps salvage 2-2 draw for Greenshirts in their second match of tri-nation series

KARACHI: Abubakr Mahmood converted a penalty corner late in the final quarter to salvage a 2-2 draw for Pakistan in an exciting encounter against Japan during their tri-nation hockey tournament at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Friday.

The Greenshirts, who had an impressive outing in the first game, could not maintain the same level of performance against Japan, who were more resilient on the day.

Pakistan went ahead early with a 10th minute strike from Shajeeh Saeed, who scored a brilliant field goal for his team.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan leading 1-0, and the next two quarters went goalless.

However, in the fourth quarter, the match turned on its head with two quick goals from Japan. The first came from Yamada’s strike through a penalty corner, and then from Yamasaki’s goal through open play.

But Mehmood saved the day for Pakistan with a 58^th minute strike to end the match 2-2.

Pakistan will now play Oman in their next match on Saturday.