Moqi (China), Sep 9
It was edge-of-the-seat action here at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China with Korea and Pakistan going neck-to-neck in a thrilling encounter on Day Two of the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday. As many as three goals were scored, only seconds apart, in the 60th minute of the match as Korea successfully handed Pakistan a disappointing 2-2 draw.
A brilliant late charge by Hannan Shahid, who scored back-to-back goals in the 60th minute, to equalise and give Pakistan a 2-1 lead was squandered with poor defence, allowing Korea to pump a field goal only seconds before for the final hooter.
Goals were scored by Jiwang Hyun (16') and Sunghyun Kim (60') for Korea.
With just five seconds left for the first quarter to end, Hannan made a skillful circle penetration and took a fine shot on goal, raising the hope of Pakistani supporters in the stadium, only to be blocked away by Korean goalie Jaehan Kim.
While Pakistan dominated with the ball possession in the first quarter, Korea played an improvised second quarter with better ball possession. Though they made fewer circle penetrations compared to their opponents, they were successful in setting up a fine goal in the 16th minute through Jiwang Hyun. He was well-assisted by Hyeseung Lee who picked up a good aerial ball to make a clever pass to Jiwang in front of the goalpost.
The 1-0 lead by Korea put Pakistan on backfoot as their quest for an elusive goal continued.