IPOH: Arsalan Qadir’s double strike on Wednesday helped Pakistan down Canada 3-1 in the 25th edition of Azlan Shah Cup...
IPOH: Arsalan Qadir’s double strike on Wednesday helped Pakistan down Canada 3-1 in the 25th edition of Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
There was a lot at stake for Pakistan after failing to qualify for Rio Olympics.
From the beginning, Pakistan looked dangerous and had come across an opportunity to score a goal in the 2nd minute but Mohammad Rizwan was not able to deflect a cross by Umar Bhutta.
Qadir, however in the 27th minute, netted the ball to put Pakistan in lead. Just when the cheers were about to die, Qadir scored another, pouncing on a penalty corner rebound.
Canada did manage to reduce the loss when their 31-year-old midfielder Richard Hildreth scored a goal in the 48th minute. But centre-half Mohammad Tousiq of Pakistan responded back in the 52nd minute by converting a penalty corner into a goal, leaving the Canadian side in trail.
The Azlan Shah Cup will feature India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and hosts Malaysia competing for the title.