Asian Champions Trophy: China triumphs over Pakistan to advance to final

Despite a strong fight, Pakistan miss four penalties, losing to China in the semi-final shootout.

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China secured their place in the final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after a nail-biting 2-0 penalty shootout victory against Pakistan at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Inner Mongolia, China.

The semi-final was fiercely contested, with both teams locked in a 1-1 draw during regular time. China opened the scoring in the second quarter, while Pakistan equalised in the third quarter with a strike from Ahmed Nadeem, set up by a precise assist from Hannan Shahid.

Despite a strong performance throughout the match, Pakistan faltered in the penalty shootout, missing all four of their penalties. China, on the other hand, showed composure, scoring two goals to secure their place in the final.

For Pakistan, the defeat marks a bitter disappointment, especially after losing just one match in the group stages—2-1 to arch-rivals India.

Pakistan started the semi-final clash on a high note, taking the lead early in the first quarter, but their inability to convert penalties under pressure cost them dearly.

China’s victory is a historic moment as they now aim for their first-ever Men’s Asian Champions Trophy title. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to regroup as they prepare for the third-place match.

Pakistan's Asian Champions Trophy Journey
vs Malaysia (2-2) - September 8
vs South Korea (2-2) - September 9
vs Japan (2-1) - September 11
vs China (5-1) - September 12
vs India (1-2) - September 14
vs China (1-1) [2-0] - September 16