Pakistan hockey suffered another major blow after the defending Asian Champions lost their opening match at the Asian Champions Trophy against the host Malaysia 4-2 in Kuntun on Thursday.
The match started off with both teams looking to draw the first blood, when it was Malaysia’s Firhan Ashari who took a penalty corner at the 13th minute and converting it into a goal.
Pakistan though, remained unfazed as Pakistani Aleem Bilal scored an equalizer converting an 18th minute penalty corner, to make it 1-1 by half-time, reported New Straits Time.
However, the rain factor became a game changer and a good omen for Malaysia, as the breather allowed Malaysia able to ‘regroup’ and scored three goals after the second half.
“The rain came at the right moment and my players regrouped and put up a good fight in the opening match even though Pakistan is never easy to beat,” said Malaysia Coach Stephen van Huizen.
“Penalty corners are our strongest in this tournament and we utilised those that came our way. As for Faizal (Shaari), his goals made the difference but there is still much work to be done from him before he becomes what he was in previous years,” said van Huizen.
The successive goal hitting by Malaysia took the game away from Pakistan, pointed out Pakistan stand in Captain Fareed Ahmed, who was captaining the team in absence of Muhammad Irfan.
“When we scored two goals, we had the confidence to win the match but they scored twice in quick succession,” Ahmed told Express Tribune. “They turned the game on its head in just seven minutes and we couldn’t deal with that.”
Pakistan is set to meet South Korea today (Friday) in their second clash of the tournament.
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