Malaysia Settle For 3-3 With Pakistan In Asian Champions Trophy
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia failed to capitalise on a two-goal advantage and settled for a 3-3 draw against Pakistan in their third Asian Champions Trophy match at the Al Rayyan Hockey Stadium in Doha, Qatar, late Sunday.
Paul Revington's boys had earlier chalked up two victories after whipping Japan and Oman, both with a 4-1 scores.
Mohd Fitri Saari opened accounts for the Malaysian side in the 20th minute when his shot was deflected into goal by a Pakistani player, according to www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com.
A few minutes later, Samir Al Shibi equalised for Pakistan -- last year's runners-up -- before national forward Mohd Faisal Saari restored Malaysia's advantage through his trademark reverse hit in the 43rd minute.
Rashid Mehmood converted a penalty corner to level the score before Muhd Waqas Sharif scored Pakistan's third goal to put the Champions Trophy's bronze medallist ahead.
Malaysia's Mohd Faisal bagged his second goal of the match through a field goal, two minutes before the final whistle, to ensure both teams shared the spoils.
Malaysia will play China today before wrapping up their match against defending champion, India, on Wednesday.
In earlier matches, India whitewashed Oman 11-0 while China defeated Japan 4-2.
Malaysia edged Japan 1-0 to bag the bronze medal in the first edition of the tournament in Ordos, China, last year.
