Perth: India A continued their fine run as they progressed to the next round of the ongoing 2017 men’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) after defeating Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 2-0 in their final Pool B match on Tuesday. Affan Yousuf and Armaan Qureshi scored the two goals for the visiting side, to bring up the win.
The game started on a bright note for the Indians as the visitors produced a fine attacking display in the early stages of the match. Their aggressive intent bore fruit when Affan scored within the first five minutes, to give his side the lead.
The Indian defence which has been brilliant throughout the tournament maintained their line and were up to the task every time ACT attacked, as India successfully held on to their lead at the end of the second quarter (30 mins).
They were helped further by the wastefulness of the Capital Territory’s forwards who kept on hitting aimless shots, giving India more advantage as the game weaved on.
In the fourth quarter, the men in blue produced another fine attacking display which led to the second goal. Some slick passing saw Armaan scoring in the 46th minute to make it 2-0 for the visitors.
The ACT players who were completely outplayed throughout the match, tried to force their way back after going behind by two goals, but could not outstep the resolute Indian defence as the boys held on to the lead to come out of the match victorious.
India who had accumulated four points from three matches, needed a win in their last match of the groupstage. A victory and a clean sheet ensured the country progressed to the next round of the tournament and remained in the hunt for the trophy.
Qualifying from Pool B, the visitors finished the group stage, with seven points after the final matches, having won two, drew one and lost one.
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Congratulations