Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan eye win over Malaysia today

Coach, captain urge team to continue winning sequence .

KARACHI: Defending champions Pakistan are eyeing a third successive win as they meet Malaysia today in an ‘important’ fixture of the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The greenshirts are currently leading the table in the six-nation event with victories over Oman (8-0) and China (5-1).

They are followed by Japan with two wins with a lesser goal difference. Malaysia are third on the table while last year’s finalists India have lost both their opening matches.

Pakistan’s head coach and manager Tahir Zaman termed the match crucial, claiming his team will virtually reach the final if it manages to overcome Malaysia.“It will be a tough match,” Zaman told The Express Tribune from  Kakamigahara.

“So far, the performance from this young side is satisfying and a victory over Malaysia will further boost our confidence”.

After the third match, the greenshirts will face India and Japan in their last league matches.

Meanwhile, captain Mohammad Imran is satisfied over team’s performance against Oman and China.

“The positive thing is that we are also scoring field goals besides converting the penalty-corners,” said Imran.

However, he said the toughest test in the tournament will be against Malaysia.

“Malaysia have become a strong side and are among the top Asian teams. We’ll have to give our best and avoid mistakes to score a win against them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2013.

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