Sufyan’s late strike helps Pakistan pull off draw against Japan

By our correspondent
CHENNAI: Pakistan’s winless streak in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy continued on Sunday as they held Japan to a 3-3 draw in their third round show here.
Abdul Rana gave Pakistan a much-needed lead in the ninth minute. However it did not last for long as Seren Tanaka levelled it for Japan. Mohammad Sufyan put Pakistan once again ahead with a strike in the second quarter and at half time the Green-shirts were leading 2-1.
However in the third quarter Japan displayed fine skills scoring two back to back goals through Tahuma Niwa and Masaki Chashi to take 3-2 lead. Pakistan expedited it’s efforts and it was Sufyan who struck a well-deserved goal just five minutes before finish to ensure the draw.
In the first game Malaysia had beaten Pakistan 3-1 while the Greens-shirts then held Korea to a 1-1 draw.