CAIRO, Oct 14: Pakistan Juniors were handed a 2-0 rout by hosts Egypt in their first match in the Akhbar Al-Youm hockey tournament at Cairo Stadium Sunday.

Pakistan got two penalty corners in the first 20 minutes of the game, but faltered later as Egypt took control.

Pakistani goalkeeper Munir Shakir performed well and saved at least four goals.

In the opening 15 minutes of the first half, Pakistanis struck through Shabbir Khan, Tariq Aziz, Abbas Haider, but were denied either by Egyptian keeper or the defenders.

Samch Metwaly converted the penalty corner in the 30th minute to give home side a 1-0 lead which remained intact till breather.

After resumption, Egyptians tore the Pakistan defence apart and attempted quite a few times but could not score thanks to some fine saves by Munir.

Egypt, the African champions, continued their dominance and went on crushing Pakistan defence. It was only Munir who prevented the Egypt’s Ahmed Wasfy from scoring.

Egypt were awarded a 61st-minute penalty stroke after a Pakistan player committed a serious foul on an Egyptian attacker in the circle. Adnan El Sayed made it 2-0 when he converted the stroke.

In post-match comments Egypt coach Asim Gad said: “My team played very well and I am satisfied with the result. Pakistan also played well in the early 15 minutes. Their forwards penetrated and their anticipation was good but my players then controlled the game, he said.

He opined Pakistan Juniors failed to show the class against Egypt’s senior side they displayed against Egypt Youth team. He, however, praised Munir’s performance.

Pakistan coach Ayaz Mahmood said his side fared well and the result was the proof.

“But one thing is clear that my side is a junior outfit and the Egypt were much senior and have vast experience,” he said.

Ayaz said the rivals could not score field goal, and cored on penalty corner and on stroke. “It means that our boys did not give them a chance to score a field goal.”

He said it was the first international match of all junior players after attending the 16-day training camp.

“A team could not be established after just a match. After all we played against the champions of Africa. If we compare our juniors with the Egypt Youth team, our side defeated them in a friendly encounter two days ago,” he said.—PPI