India take on hosts China in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy final in a bid to defend their title.
Harmanpreet Singh and Co go into the final as overwhelming favourites, having cruised through the tournament – their first since the Olympics bronze medal last month and the retirement of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh – unbeaten. In the league phase match between the two sides on the opening day of the tournament, India had easily won 3-0.
In the semifinals yesterday, a brace from captain Harmanpreet had led India to a rather straightforward 4-1 win over South Korea. India scored through Uttam Singh (13th minute), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (19th, 45th) and Jarmanpreet Singh (32nd) China, on the other hand, beat Pakistan in a shootout after the two teams finished 1-1 at the end of regulation 60 minutes.
So far in the tournament, India have not been pushed with strong wins over China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Pakistan over the last week. This doesn’t come as a surprise as they are the top team in Asia – having won this tournament, the Asian Games gold medal and were the only Asian team at last month’s Paris Olympics.
A trophy here, expected as it may be, will not only serve to underline their continental dominance but also start the post-Sreejesh era – where Krishan Pathak has taken over the reins from the legendary goalkeeper – on a positive note.
The final will start at 3.30 PM IST and will be available to watch on Sony Sports Network as well as Sony Liv.