Thrilling Matches Decide Semifinalists of Hero Asian Champions

APP

Islamabad: The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 delivered intense action as Korea, Malaysia, India, and China battled fiercely in the league stage on Saturday at the Moqi Hockey Training Base, setting the stage for an electrifying semifinal lineup.

India remains unbeaten, securing a place in the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Pakistan. Meanwhile, Korea and Malaysia played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, and China advanced with a decisive 2-0 win over Japan.

In a dramatic contest, Korea and Malaysia fought to the last second, with Korea scoring a last-minute goal to earn a 3-3 draw. Malaysia’s Azrai Abu Kamal (28′), Norsyafiq Sumantri (35′), and Faizal Saari (55′) gave their team the lead, but Korea responded through Yang Jihun, who scored twice (4′, 60+), and Cheoleon Park (42′).

Despite Malaysia’s dominance, firing 13 shots in the opening quarter, Korea capitalized on defensive lapses to stay in the game. Malaysia’s captain, Marhan Jalil, named Hero of the Match, expressed disappointment: “It was unfortunate to concede a last-second goal, but we’ll give it our all in the semis.”

Korea’s late equalizer pushed them to No. 4 on the points table, setting up a semifinal clash with India. Malaysia, now out of semifinal contention, will focus on the classification matches.

In the most anticipated match of the day, India edged out Pakistan 2-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice (13′, 19′), overcoming Pakistan’s early lead from Ahmad Nadeem (8′). Despite creating several chances and earning penalty corners, Pakistan could not break through India’s defense, led by goalkeeper Krishan Pathak.

A missed penalty corner by Sufiyan Khan before halftime kept India ahead, and they held firm despite Pakistan’s relentless pressure. Nilakanta Sharma, named Hero of the Match, acknowledged room for improvement, stating, “Although we won, we lost the ball too often and need to protect it better.”

India will face Korea in the semifinals on Monday.

In another key game, China secured a 2-0 victory over Japan, climbing to No. 3 in the standings. Goals by Benhai Chen (7′) and Jieming Chao (25′) sealed the win, and China’s defense, anchored by goalie Caiyu Wang, thwarted Japan’s multiple penalty corners.

Hero of the Match Benhai Chen stated, “We prepared thoroughly and aimed to win today to reach the semifinals. Now, we’ll focus on preparing for our match against Pakistan.” China will now face Pakistan in the first semifinal on Monday.