CHENNAI: On the eve of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) contest against Malaysia, Pakistan coach Muhammad Saqlain had stressed on the importance of beginning the tournament on a bright note.
At the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Thursday, Pakistan's young brigade showed promise throughout their opening match, but it counted for little in the end, due to their profligacy in the final third. Pakistan earned seven penalty corners, including four in the third quarter, and a penalty stroke, only to fluff the lines time and time again.
The Asian giants were duly punished by Malaysia, who rode Faizal Saari's hat-trick of assists for a 3-1 win. Pakistan captain Umar Bhutta put it down to the lack of experience in the squad. "I think that we played a good game, but we missed a lot of chances because of inexperience. We have a lot of junior players in the squad and look forward to making a comeback in the next match," Bhutta said after the match.
For Malaysia, Saari combined with Firhan Ashari twice in the span of two minutes as they took a 2-0 first-half lead after Pakistan controlled the early proceedings.
For the opener in the 28th minute, Saari found Ashari from the right flank with a ball that went through the legs of a Pakistan player. In the very next minute, Saari stole the ball in midfield and charged forward before picking out Ashari, whose reverse hit found the board.
In the 44th minute, Saari made a marauding run from his own half and then put the ball on a plate for Shello Silverius. Five minutes from the final hooter, Abdul Rehman prevented Malaysia from keeping a clean sheet with a consolation goal for Pakistan.
South Korea beat Japan 2-1
Earlier, defending champions South Korea came from behind to record a 2-1 win over Japan in the tournament opener. Before the match, Japan's Manabu Yamashita was felicitated for making his 200th international appearance.
Results: Malaysia bt Pakistan 3-1; S. Korea bt Japan 2-1
