Forward Ashraff Waheed Rana saved Pakistan from the jaws of defeat with a late penalty corner goal as the men in green shirts clawed back to hold Japan to a 1-1 draw in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh tonight.
Japan continued to rule in this 30th edition of the SAS Cup by knocking the three-time champions off the pedestal early in the second half.
Drag-flick specialist Ken Nagayoshi converted a 33rd minute penalty corner after the Japanese failed in four earlier attempts. The momentum, however, changed in the fourth quarter with Pakistan dominating the proceedings after earning four failed penalty corners and were heading towards defeat when Ashraf scored in the 59th minute to the joy of the Pakistani camp.
The Pakistanis and Japanese share seven-equal points and remain top of the table standings on a better goal difference.
Watched by more than 500 fans who arrived early for the best seat as they wait for the next match between Malaysia and New Zealand (playoff 8.30pm), it was the Japanese who controlled the first two quarters but found the going tough against the Green Shirts Pakistanis.
Hannan Shahid, their most sensational forward, captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, Ajaz Ahmad, and Abu Mahmood had their wings clipped by the Japanese defenders while goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa was equally busy between the posts.
The Japanese had four penalty corner opportunities in the second quarter but failed to score from any. Drag-flick specialist Ken Nagayoshi, however, made it count in the 33rd minute from a fifth attempt by guiding a powerful drive to the right of goalkeeper Ishtiaq Abdullah Khan.
Excitement gradually started to build after Japan held a 1-0 lead going into the fourth and final quarter. New Zealand umpire Ben Grant awarded Pakistan a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute but the Japanese called for a referral. Grant’s decision was subsequently nullified by the video referral umpire.
Pakistan and Japan have met 28 times since the 1960 Rome Olympics. The Pakistanis went on to register a 10-0 victory over the Japanese in their first ever international meeting. But the Japanese gradually produced their winnings acts over the years. The record shows Japan won eight matches and Pakistan 13.
PAKISTAN: ROELANT OLTMANS (COACH)
“I would prefer a match where we scored goals from the start and not have to fightback strongly to survive as we did against Malaysia and we were able to get back and score the equaliser.
I am also puzzled by the stroke that was withdrawn by the video referral umpire. I am curious to see the video and see what happened in the situation.
JAPAN: YOSHIRIRO ANAI (COACH)
“I am very happy with the way we dominated this match against Pakistan. We know they are very fast in their attacking and have skilful individual players and we had prepared the team to counter their attacks. Our defenders and goalkeeper did a good job.
I am disappointed with the equaliser, as we allowed Pakistan to come back strongly in the last 10 minutes of play. Our next match is against Malaysia and we will have to plan our game. The Malaysians play a fast game and it is going to be another tough match for us.
MAN OF THE MATCH: KEN NAGAYOSHI (JAPAN)
I am very excited to have scored the goal and will continue to play hard for Japan in every match. The experience playing here will help me improve my game. Against Malaysia I hope to play to my true form and help Japan win.
