Ajaz hat-trick honors Pakistan with Bronze Medal
Pakistan outplayed South Korea 6-3 in the 3rd place match of 10th Hockey Asia Cup at Dhaka's Maulana Bhashani Stadium. Although, it was a team effort but Ajaz Ahmed was the star of the show with three beautiful open play goals.
The tempo of the game was not very fast initially in the first quarter and there were only a few circle penetrations and shots on the goal. In the 10th minute of 1st quarter, Ajaz cashed in on a crush ball sent from Korean 23' by skipper Irfan, deflecting into the goal with a soft touch.
The pace picked up. Korean equalized the goal in the 15th minute of 1st quarter courtesy Azfar Yaqoob blunder who lost the ball just inside Pakistan's circle. Cho Sook Hun capitalized with a strong hit.
Soon, Pakistan had their first penalty corner. Misunderstanding at top led to the ball go out of the circle. But Ali Shan's pass from left was well received by veteran Rashid at circles top. His powerful flat reverse hander struck the left corner of the goal and Pakistan were back in the front.
Very next minute, Amjad made a spectacular diving save off a ferocious Korean back hander.
In the last minute of the first half, Ajaz extended Pakistan's advantage. The youngster sprinted into the circle. After beating the goal keeper and the last defender, Ajaz pushed the ball in to the goal made it 3-1.
Abubakr converted the second PC with a flick past Korean net minder's left shoulder into the top netting. In the 36th minute, it was 5-1 and Ajaz had completed his hat trick. Receiving a good pass from Tasawwar in his own half on entering the circle, he beautifully side stepped the defender who had caught up with him. Then he wrong footed the goal keeper and sent the ball into the goal, both in a single action, later declared goal of the match.
Undaunted by the score-line of 1-5, the Koreans opted for an offensive approach.
After missing a couple of chances, they managed to get their second goal. A measured pass from just outside the circle reached Lee Namyong, surprisingly left unmarked in the middle of the scoring zone.
With a three goal cushion, Pakistan began the last quarter with good possession hockey.
They made circle penetrations and also had a couple of attempts. However, Korea again came back well applying good pressure. Having wasted two back to back penalty corners, they availed the third PC in a good two touch drill. Ball was pushed to Soo Inwoo in the middle of the left side of circle, who deflected in with a flat sick. It was 3-5 but only five minutes were remaining.
Now, Pakistani players went on attack. Abubakr blasted a PC over the bar and Atiq, after a good solo run, made a poor attempt. They managed to make it a tennis score. Rashid, burst inside from left. His attempt after a 1-2 came off the right pole. Off the rebound, Azfar easily flicked in.
Koreans had two PCs in the last minute but couldn’t go past the solid defense of Amjad.
Ajaz was declared Man of the match.
SCORERS:
Pakistan: Ajaz Ahmed 3 (10', 30', 36'), Rashid (26'), Abubakr (32') & Azfar Yaqoob (56')
Korea: Cho Suk Hoon (20'), Lee Namyong (43') & Seo Inwoo (55')
