India Go Down 1-4 to China in Women’s Asia Cup Super4s Clash

India suffered a 1-4 defeat against hosts China in their second Super4s Pool match of the Women’s Asia Cup Hockey here today, denting their chances of an early spot in the final.

Mumtaz Khan (38’) netted India’s lone goal, while Zou Meirong (4’, 56’), Chen Yang (31’) and Tan Jinzhuang (47’) scored for China.

The contest began with both teams pressing high, but China drew first blood in the 4th minute when Zou Meirong pounced on a rebound to score. India responded with aggressive circle penetrations and earned a penalty corner in the 10th minute, but their finishing let them down.

The second quarter was evenly matched, with India enjoying better possession in the last phase of the half, yet the equaliser proved elusive as they trailed 0-1 at the break.

Soon after the restart, a defensive lapse allowed Chen Yang to double China’s lead in the 31st minute. India pulled one back seven minutes later through Mumtaz Khan, who unleashed a powerful backhand strike after a pass from Lalremsiami. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi then produced a smart save to keep India in contention.

However, China capitalised again in the final quarter, converting a penalty corner through Tan Jinzhuang in the 47th minute and sealing the win with Zou Meirong’s second goal in the 56th minute.

The result put China into the tournament final, while India will face Japan on Friday, September 12, in their last Super4s Pool game, needing a win to stay in the title race.