RAWALPINDI: Pakistan made a winning start to their campaign in the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, defeating China 3-0 in their opening pool match in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday.
The young Pakistan side asserted its dominance from the outset, taking an early lead through Usman, who found the net in the sixth minute of the first half. The advantage was doubled just five minutes later when Adeel converted a scoring opportunity in the 11th minute to put Pakistan firmly in control.
Pakistan continued to dictate proceedings and sealed the victory in the 56th minute when Yasin struck the team’s third goal, ensuring a comfortable and well-deserved win against the Chinese outfit.
The convincing triumph provides Pakistan with an ideal platform as they pursue a place in the knockout stage of the continental event.
Pakistan will next face Malaysia on Sunday before taking on Bangladesh in their final pool-stage fixture.
According to the tournament schedule, the group-stage matches will continue until June 1. The semi-finals and classification matches are scheduled for June 5, while the final and third-place playoff will be played on June 6.
The impressive opening performance will boost the confidence of the Pakistan youngsters as they look to maintain their winning momentum in the competition.
