Pakistan battle India in Junior Asia Cup final today

Pakistan qualified for final beating Korea by 8 goals to 7 in penalty shoot-out in the second semifinal of Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia last night.

Pakistan came back from 2-0 down to snatch a 2-2 draw against South Korea in the semi-finals to force a penalty shootout which they won 8-7 at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium.

Kim Sung-yeob had put South Korea 2-0 ahead with goals in the 18th and 41st minutes before Ahmad Shakeel Butt forced the game into a penalty shootout with his own brace in the 46th and 70th minutes.

In the mandatory shootout, the teams were again level at 4-4, with one player from each side failing to convert their flicks.

Then, in the sudden-death shootout, Ahmad Shakeel turned hero when he converted his while Yoo Han-young became the villain when he missed his attempt.

Today’s final will the third meeting between India and Pakistan in the Junior Asia Cup.

In 1996, Pakistan beat India, who then avenged that loss in 2004. India are looking to win their third Junior Asia Cup to equal Pakistan’s feat.

Pakistan won in 1987, 1992 and 1996 while India were champions in 2004 and 2008.

The other two editions were won by South Korea (2000) and Malaysia (2012).