OMAN, Muscat: In a major setback, the Pakistan hockey team suffered a 6-1 defeat against Great Britain in their opening match of the Paris Olympics hockey qualifiers in Muscat, Oman.
Britain grabbed an early advantage when Waller Jack found the net with a penalty corner in the opening quarter. The momentum continued in their favour, extending the lead to 2-0 midway through the second quarter.
As Britain maintained their dominance, two more goals were secured to extend the lead to 4-0 in the third quarter. Ward Sam contributed the second and third goals while Calnan Will added a fourth to consolidate their control.
Sixteen-seeded Pakistan managed to salvage some pride in the fourth quarter when Shahid Hannan secured the only goal. But Britain remained relentless, with Wallace Zachary scoring the fifth goal with a penalty and Bandurak Nicholas scoring the sixth goal.
In Group A, Pakistan shares the group with England, China and Malaysia. Their next challenge is against China tomorrow, while their clash with Malaysia is scheduled for January 18.
Earlier in a thrilling encounter, No. 23 China exceeded expectations, securing a last-minute victory against No. 13 Malaysia from a penalty corner to wrap up the match with a 3-2 victory.
Pakistan Squad
Abdullah Ishtiaq, Waqar, Arbaz Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Sufiyan Khan, Ammad Shakeel Butt (captain), Abu Bakar Mahmood (vice-captain), Murtaza Yaqoob, Abdul Mannan, Aqeel Ahmed, Moeen Shakil, Salman Razaq, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Ghazanfar Ali, Abdul Rahman Jr., Zikriya Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, Arshad Liaquat.
Management
Shahnaz Sheikh (head coach), Shakil Abbasi (coach), Dilawar Hussain (assistant coach), Amjad Ali (Goalkeeping Coach), Waqas Mahmood (Physiotherapist), Muhammad Imran Khan (Physical Trainer).
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