Pakistan penalty corner ace Sohail Abbas saved his side from a humiliating exit from the Olympic men's hockey with a last-minute equaliser against Malaysia at Sydney today. The Malaysians appeared set to end a 14-year losing streak against Pakistan when, with one minute to go, they led 2-1 through goals by Suhaimi Ibrahim.
Pakistan, however, earned a penalty corner 35 seconds before the final hooter and Abbas pushed home to earn his side a valuable point. The draw left Pakistan on six points from four matches and facing a must-win last game against the Netherlands next Tuesday to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
Malaysia's gallant fight was not enough to keep them in the race as they trailed with three points from four matche. The Netherlands and Germany lead the group with seven points each from three games.
Abbas, who scored the competition's first hat-trick during a record 8-1 win over Great Britain last week, joined Argentina's Jorge Lombi as the leading scorers with six goals each.
Bureau Report