Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India Thrash Japan 5-1 in Second Pool Match, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek Star in Win

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In a commanding performance at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, India cruised past Japan with a 5-1 victory in Hulunbuir, China, on September 9 -- Monday. The match saw India exert dominance from the very start, securing their place at the top of the points table.

India got off to a flying start, with Sukhjeet Singh opening the scoring in the first minute, followed almost immediately by Abhishek doubling the lead in the second minute.

The early blows left Japan reeling, and India maintained pressure throughout the first quarter as the attacking prowess was on full display. By the 17th minute, Sanjay extended India's lead to 3-0, converting from a penalty corner. At halftime, India had complete control of the game.

Japan, fielding a relatively young and rebuilding squad, struggled to break through India's solid defense, but their perseverance paid off in the third quarter when Kazumasa Matsumoto found the back of the net in the 41st minute. His solo run cut India's lead to 3-1, giving Japan a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late. India, unfazed, continued to maintain their lead.

The fourth quarter saw India cement their victory. In the 55th minute, Uttam Singh deflected a precise pass from Jarmanpreet Singh to score India's fourth goal, putting the game further out of Japan's reach. Just as the match was drawing to a close, Sukhjeet Singh sealed the win with his second goal, making it 5-1 in the final seconds, courtesy of a well-set-up play by Rajkumar.

Despite a brief resurgence by Japan, India maintained composure and showcased superior teamwork and clinical finishing. Abhishek's performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while the Indian defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Suraj Kerkera in the final quarter, limited Japan's opportunities.

With this victory, India remains the only team to win a match in the tournament so far, increasing their goal difference to +7. They will next face Malaysia on September 11, while Japan continues their search for a win in the pool stage.