China defeats Pakistan in penalty shootout to reach finals

WEB DESK: China secured their spot in the final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after defeating Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final that ended in a penalty shootout.

In the first semi-final held today, the hosts China took an early lead in the second quarter with a goal by Lu Yuanlin. Pakistan’s Ahmed Nadeem equalised in the following quarter, setting up a tense battle.

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Both teams remained evenly matched until the end, forcing the match into a penalty shootout, where China emerged victorious.

Interestingly, Pakistan had previously beaten China 5-1 in the group stage. The second semi-final will see India face off against South Korea for a place in the final.