Asian Champions Trophy | India win thriller against Malaysia to confirm top spot

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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India edged out Malaysia 1-2, despite a one-man deficit in the dying minutes of their final group-stage match today, to confirm their spot at the top of the table. Rupinder Pal Singh scored both of India's goals from the spot while Malaysia were left disappointed despite dominating the second half.

1st Quarter

India’s first chance came off a penalty corner in the 4th minute that Rupinder Pal Singh won when his cut-back came off a Malaysian foot. From the resulting corner, Rupinder tested Subramiam Kumar, who needed a strong left hand to deflect the shot off target. In the 8th minute, Malaysian Saari Faizal did well to get free of the Indian defense after a quick turn but his shot was well off target.

Even though not a lot of chances were being created, it wasn’t from the lack of trying as both teams were just lacking a bit of quality in the final third.

With three minutes to go, India finally broke the deadlock, and it was Rupinder’s ability from a penalty corner again that handed India the lead. Rupinder’s drag flick, to the keeper’s left, came back off the post, but the penalty expert was there to smash the ball back into the opposite corner.

India had a great chance to double their lead with a minute to go when Akashdeep Singh found himself free in the circle after a wonderful ball from Chandanda Thimmaiah. But his powerful shot, that was headed for the far corner, was saved well by Kumar whose extended leg deflected the ball away from danger.

2nd Quarter

The first chance of the second quarter fell for Indian forward Affan Yousuf in the very first minute. Affan found himself free with the ball just five yards out thanks to Akashdeep’s beautiful pass after beautifully turning away from a couple of defenders, but the former’s mishit shot sailed inches over the bar.

Malaysia started pressing the Indians in the final third that led to some stray passes by India. In the 18th minute, Malaysia were rewarded with an equalizer for their hard work as Razie Rahim’s powerful shot off a penalty corner was too hot for Akash Chikte to handle.1-11.

With 26 minutes on the clock, Malaysia had a great chance to take the lead when Aiman Rosemi drove through the left wing to cross a brilliant ball to the far post. But, Sukri Mutalib shot from point-blank range was stopped by Chikte.

India immediately came back strong with a great chance of their own. Running through the middle, Chandanda produced a great ball to release Lalit down the left wing, but goalie Subramiam Kumar closed down the striker quickly to keep the scores level.

As the teams entered the dressing rooms for the half-time interval, both sets of players would have been relieved and disappointed that the score was level after 30 minutes.

3rd Quarter

Malaysia started the second half brightly by keeping possession and earned two long corners in the second minute of the first quarter.

The teams had good chances with 8 minutes remaining in the third quarter, but some shoddy finishing from Ramandeep and Aiman Rosemi at both ends kept the scoreline even. The Malaysian goalkeeper was again called into action with a brilliant save in the 39th minute after India won a penalty corner.

After failing to make the most of a shot corner in the 40th minute, Malaysia pressed hard for a goal and won another corner in the next minute. Shahril Saabah made a mess of the drag flick with a tame shot that Chikte easily swatted it away, while the rebound was shot wide by Razie Rahim. Rupinder Pal’s effort in front of Malaysian goal led to a free hit on the edge of the circle but the Ramandeep shot just wide off the goal.

4th Quarter

Indian handed Malaysia the incentive with 11 minutes to go, when Surinder Kumar was shown a yellow card ruling him out for the remainder of the game.

Malaysia’s tried made the most of the extra man advantage creating a great opportunity for Rashid Baharon, who found himself wide open five yards from goal. But, he was unable to deflect Fitri Saari’s shot towards the Indian goal.

Malaysia’s best chance came from yet another penalty corner with just 4 minutes to go when Rahim Razie’s shot went agonisingly wide of the post.

Despite the one-man handicap, it was India who finally managed to go on top. With just over two minutes left, the Blues won a penalty corner of their own, and Rupinder Pal stepped up to send a scorching shot to the right of the shot-stopper into the net. India were suddenly 1-2 up.

True to India’s travails with last minutes, the Indian defence was caught in a confused state by a sudden assault by Malaysia but the hosts failed to convert it. With 26 seconds to go, Malaysia received a penalty corner despite Sardar Singh’s protests, but Chikte stood tall to make a brilliant save as India ended the match as the winners.

With the win, India confirmed their position at the top of the table after the league stage.

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