Pakistan escape with 3-2 win over Egypt in Junior Hockey World Cup

Muhammad Tousiq's goal in the dying moments decided the game for Pakistan.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan opened their campaign in the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup in New Delhi with a gritty 3-2 victory against Egypt on Friday, according to the official tournament website.

Pakistan is placed in Pool A, with Belgium, Germany and the tournament's lowest ranked team, Egypt.

It took the Green-shirts just four minutes to take the lead as Muhammad Irfan, left unmarked on the post with plenty of time to pick up a penalty-corner rebound, slotted one into the goal behind the Egyptian goalie Wael Noureldin.

"Pakistan appeared satisfied with this early lead and started playing with seemingly little urgency, keeping the Egyptians at bay and circulating the ball in midfield," reported the website.

Pakistan scored again in the 30th minute, with Ammad Shakeel Butt ensuring that they walked into the break with a commanding two-goal lead.

The Egyptians came out for the second half a changed side. While Pakistan managed to hold off against their initial attacks, but two well-taken penalty corners by Ahmed Mohsen and Mostafa Mansour saw them level at 2-2 and set up a tense finish.

Pakistan though held on and Muhammad Tousiq rescued the team by sliding in a goal in the final minutes of the game, earning the Green-shirts a narrow win.

In the other game from Pool A, Belgium beat Germany 3-1 to top the group.

The results for all of Friday's games can be viewed here.