Jugraj Singh's goal helped India to defeat China 1-0 in the final of the AFC Asian Champions Trophy 2024 final on September 17 in Hulunbuir. Unbeaten India clinched their fifth AFC Champions Trophy. India previously won the ACT title in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan) and 2021. Harmanpreet-led side won their six out of six matches to defend their AFC title here in China.
The match began with China applying early pressure on the Indian defense, mirroring their strategy from the first game of the tournament where they sought to exploit counter-attacks.
The first significant opportunity arose in the opening quarter when India took a shot on target. Sukhjeet attempted a clever effort, but the Chinese goalkeeper made a solid save to deny the attempt.
India earned their first penalty corner in the 9th minute, but the Chinese defence managed to stop it effectively. Another penalty corner followed, but this time Harmanpreet's shot went well wide. China finished the quarter stronger, forcing Krishan Pathak to deal with a couple of penalty corners.
The second quarter was largely uneventful as China adopted a defensive strategy to prevent India from breaking through. However, in the 27th minute, India had a significant opportunity when Harmanpreet took advantage of a poorly trapped penalty corner, but his shot hit the post. Shortly thereafter, India was awarded a penalty stroke after Wang had taken out Manpreet Singh.
China reviewed the penalty stroke decision and had it overturned, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
In the third quarter, India launched several promising attacks into the circle, but the Chinese defense stood firm. China had a couple of penalty corners, but the Indian defense managed to keep them out.
In the 41st minute, Krishan Pathak made a crucial save to deny a strong penalty corner effort from China. As the quarter drew to a close, India ramped up the pressure with Hundal advancing into the circle, but his shot went wide.
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Despite India's persistent pressure, China remained resolute, and the game continued into the final quarter with the score still tied.
India came out strong in the final quarter and finally broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Harmanpreet made a well-timed run into the circle and delivered a perfect pass to Jugraj, who made no mistake in scoring and putting India ahead. This is the first time for hosts China to play a final clash of AFC Asian Champions Trophy.
Earlier in the tournament, Team India had earlier defeated China 3-0. After that, they defeated Japan 5-1. beat Malaysia 8-1 and then defeated Korea 3-1 and Pakistan 2-1. And finally, Harmnapreet-led side won the title by defeating China 1-0 in the final.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan defeated Korea 5-2 to claim the third spot in the six-team competition.
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