India Edge Japan 3-2 in Hockey Asia Cup

India edged Japan 3-2 in the Hockey Asia Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh and Raj Kumar Pal on target, while Kosei Kawabe scored twice.

The 1st quarter started with the Japanese KAWAHARA Yamato receiving a green card in the 2nd minute of the arc . Furthermore , India quickly capitalized , as Mandeep Singh hit in the 4th minute to open the scoring .

Just a minute later , India doubled their lead when captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 5th minute . Consequently, Japan earned a penalty corner in the 13th minute but couldn’t convert . The quarter ended with India leading 2-0 .

Additionally , The 2nd quarter began at a steadfast stride with both sides trying to settle into rhythm . Furthermore, In the 23rd minute , India ’ s Amit Rohidas received a green card , giving Japan an opportunity to push forward .

Hence , a minute later , Japan earned a penalty corner in the 24th minute but failed to convert . Thus , The 1st half closed with India maintaining their 2-0 lead over Japan .

Moreover, The third quarter opened with both teams going head-to-head in an intense battle . Moreover , In the 38th minute , Kosei Kawabe struck for the Japanese, pulling one back and reducing the deficit . However , India quickly regained momentum .

Nevertheless , at the 45th minute , Raj Kumar received a green card , but seconds later on , Harmanpreet Singh found the backrest of the net once once again ,

restoring India ’ s two goal cushion . Additionally, the quarter ended with India leading 3-1 against Japan .

Therefore, The final quarter saw Japan pushing hard to get back into the game . In the 49th minute ,

they earned a penalty corner but failed to convert . Additionally , another prospect came in the 58th minute , as yet again denied by the Indian defence .

Moments later , Kosei Kawabe struck for the second time in the match , giving Japan hope with a goal in the 58th minute .

However , India had to survive a nervy finish as captain Harmanpreet Singh was shown a yellow card in the 59th minute . Despite the late drama , India held on to secure a 3-2 victory over Japan .

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