Islamabad, September 12, 2024- Pakistan has secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after defeating host China 5-1. The first quarter of the pool match saw no goals from either team. However, in the eighth minute of the second quarter, Abdul Rahman capitalized on a superb pass from Hanan Shahid to score a field goal.
Pakistan maintained their strong performance in the third quarter, with Nadeem Ahmed doubling their lead with a goal in the 11th minute. Although Pakistan was awarded a penalty stroke before the end of the third quarter, they were unable to convert it. At the start of the fourth quarter, Hanan Shahid scored from a penalty corner, giving Pakistan a 3-0 lead. Shortly afterward, China’s Cheng Heng scored from a penalty corner, narrowing the gap to 3-1. With four minutes remaining, Pakistan added two more goals.
Nadeem Ahmed netted his second goal of the match, and just 15 seconds before the final whistle, Hanan Shahid scored his second goal and Pakistan’s fifth. This victory marks Pakistan’s second win in the tournament. On Saturday, Pakistan will face their traditional rival, India, who remain unbeaten so far.
