KUANTAN: Pakistan stormed into the final of the eighth Asia Cup hockey tournament after thrashing hosts Malaysia 4-2 on Thursday at the Kuantan hockey stadium.
Malaysia scored the first goal of the match in the third minute when Abu Ismail struck from the left-hand side of the circle. However, star striker Rehan Butt brought Pakistan level in the 18th minute when he converted a free-hit to equalise.
Pakistan took the lead in the second half (45th minute) with another free-hit, this time converted by Akhtar Ali on a pass from Mohammad Imran.
Butt consolidated Pakistan’s lead in the 64th minute with his second goal of the match – a superb long-range strike from the midfield.
Pakistan’s fourth goal was scored by Haseem Khan three minutes from time, as he converted a pass from Akhtar Ali to seal the win for Pakistan
A consolation goal was scored by Engku Malek in added time, just before the full-time hooter went off.
Pakistan will now play South Korea, who routed China 5-1 in the first semi-final, in the final on Saturday.
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