Hyderabad: Pakistan staged a brilliant comeback but were left ruing their fate as Korea stunned them with an equalizer at the fag end of the match to bring a fitting end to the hardfought 3-3 draw in a Group B match of the 6th Asia Cup Men’s Junior Hockey Championship at the Gachibowli Stadium here on Sunday.
Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Pakistan surged ahead to 3-2 largely due to the brilliance of dragflicker Kashif Ali before they conceded a penalty corner in the 70th minute. Korea’s Lee Yong Kuk converted the PC to level the scores.
With this draw, Korea, who have a four-goal advantage against Pakistan and will play Oman one hour after Pakistan meet Bangladesh on Monday, are likely to top Group B and avoid India in the semifinals.
Korea were off to a good start and clearly dominated the first half. While, the Pakistan custodian was a busy man his Korean counterpart was hardly troubled.
In fact, Pakistan had only two shots on the goal in the first half with both of them being rather feeble attempts.
Korea’s hard work in the midfield and at the front was rewarded with a penalty corner in 12th minute. In the ensuing goalmouth melee they won a second PC. Korea’s forward Nam Hyun Woo, who had a great match, converted it without trouble.
Korea were always on the attack, while Pakistan confined themselves to check the rival onslaught. Two minutes before the lemon break, Korea secured the second goal through Lim Woo Geun.
In the second half it was a different story altogether as Pakistan stepped up the momentum. Captain Shafqat Rasool led from the front with sheer brilliance on the left wing. Rasool combined well with Inayat Ullah and Shahad Nazir. However, Korea remained undeterred and defended well to deny any PCs for Pakistan.
Pakistan reduced the margin in the 50th minute when Inayat Ullah dribbled past three defenders to slot the ball in.
Five minutes later, Pakistan secured their first PC and showed how dangerous they are while converting them. Kashif Ali lunged on to the opportunity and got the equalizer for his team.
Thereafter, both the teams played superbly trading attacks and threatening the rival defences. Three minutes before the hooter, the referee awarded a PC to Pakistan after Shahid Nazir was dangerously obstructed by the goalkeeper. The chance was enough for Kashif Ali to snatch lead for Pakistan.
However, Korea were undeterred by this upset and got a PC in the 70th minute, which was duly converted by Lee Yong Kuk.
In another Group B match Bangladesh drubbed Oman 7-1.