India squandered numerous scoring chances before two late goals sealed their 3-1 victory over Canada in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.
India squandered numerous scoring chances before two late goals sealed their 3-1 victory over Canada in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.
Failing to exert pressure despite taking an early lead, India hung on grimly against several threatening Canadian raids to clinch their second victory in three outings.
Nikkin Thimmaiah opened the account in the third minute, but Keegan Pereira equalised for Canada in the 23rd minute to be 1-1 level at half-time.
Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner (41st minute) and Talwin-der Singh capitalised on a Sardar Singh cross into the circle (67th) to seal the fate of the match.
With six points from three outings, India are now third in the round-robin league standings. On top of the table are Australia, followed by New Zealand. Earlier, Australia defeated Pakistan 4-0, while the Kiwis beat Japan 4-1.
India’s defence came under a lot of pressure against Canada, who like India are drawn in Group B of the Rio Olympics.
Goalkeeper Harjot Singh made a blunder of conceding the first penalty corner, before he was replaced by Akash Chikte in the second quarter.
