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India roar back from 0-1 down to beat Japan 4-1, clinch record sixth ACT title

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Japan initially silenced the home crowd when Kazumasa Matsumoto struck in the third minute past Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, keeping the hosts scoreless through the entire opening half. The momentum flipped in the 42nd minute as Shilanand Lakra converted a close-range pass from Aditya during a penalty-corner sequence. India then overwhelmed the defense in the final quarter by firing home three goals across a six-minute span. Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad all found the net to seal the victory.

Key points

  • The host nation completed a hat-trick of consecutive tournament victories with the final…: The host nation completed a hat-trick of consecutive tournament victories with the final win in Mohali.
  • Japan's organized defense maintained a lead for the entire first half before collapsing i…: Japan's organized defense maintained a lead for the entire first half before collapsing in the final quarter.
  • Crucial second-half contributions from Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Vivek Sagar Pras…: Crucial second-half contributions from Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad ensured the dominant scoreline.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

India scripted history on Thursday, clinching a record sixth men's Asian Champions Trophy title after producing a stunning comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final in Mohali.

The victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive Asian Champions Trophy titles for India, who continued their dominance in the continental competition. It was a special night for the hosts, who bounced back from a frustrating first half to deliver a commanding performance when it mattered most.

Shilanand Lakra (42nd minute), Dilpreet Singh (48th), Jugraj Singh (53rd) and

Vivek Sagar Prasad (54th) were on target for India after Japan had taken an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute.

Japan strike early, India struggle to find a breakthrough

Japan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the third minute. Matsumoto collected the ball on the left, made his way into the circle and unleashed a powerful reverse-hit effort that beat Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

India looked to respond and enjoyed spells of possession, but Japan's disciplined defensive structure made it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut opportunities.…

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