Pakistan qualify for semi-finals of Asian Champions Trophy

A double each from Hannan Shahid and Nadeem Ahmed put Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy when they eased past hosts China 5-1 in their crucial game at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir on Thursday.

The huge win took Pakistan to the second spot on the table with eight points in four matches.

It was a one-sided affair with Pakistan keeping decent possession right from the start.

Pakistan went ahead through a solid effort from Abdul Rehman who struck in the 23rd minute following a sensational barren first quarter which saw some exciting hockey from either side.

Nadeem doubled the lead with an impressive attempt in the 36th minute to put pressure on China.

The goals continued to flow in the fourth and final quarter with three coming from Pakistan.

Hannan added to his team’s tally in the 46th minute before Nadeem completed his double and scored the fourth goal for Pakistan in the 56th minute.

China reduced the deficit through Gao Jiesheng’s strike in the 58th minute while just before full time Hannan netted a fantastic goal to seal a huge win for the country.

Pakistan now will face defending champions India in their last league game on Saturday, September 14.

Pakistan had a poor start to their journey when they were held by both Malaysia and Korea in their first two games. However, Pakistan made a super fightback with a 2-1 win over Japan in their previous show on Wednesday.