KARACHI, April 19: Pakistan Juniors came from behind to stun Olympic qualifiers South Africa Seniors 3-2 in the second match of the South African tour at Durban on Friday.

According to a message received here on Saturday, the hosts led the first half 2-1, but the juniors bounced back in the second with a superb display of technique.

Pakistan forged ahead in the 10th minute of the first half through forward Mohammad Taufeeq who sounded the board with a fine field attempt.

Some complacency from the Pakistan side provided an opportunity to the South Africans to strike back.

The hosts equalised in the 22nd minute with a stinging penalty-corner.

Under relentless pressure from South Africa’s well coordinated two pronged attacks, Pakistan defence conceded a second goal in the 29th minute from a field attempt.

In the second half, Haseem Khan following up a well executed move in the 44th minute weaved through a host of defenders hammering an excellent goal to restore the parity.

The South Africans exerted pressure thereafter but Pakistan defence withstood the onslaught, particularly goalkeeper Imran Shah.

Pakistan did not relent and continued their attacking strategy which ultimately proved fruitful.

In the closing stages of the encounter, captain Shafqat Rasool netted the match winner to leave South Africans flabbergasted, who have been placed in Pool ‘B’ alongside Pakistan in the Beijing Olympics hockey event.

An elated Pakistan chief coach Jahangir Butt said after the match: “Forwards were excellent throughout the match. The defence was jittery in the first half but in the second, they played like a well-knit unit. Goalkeeper Imran Shah did a tremendous job.”

The Pakistan junior team will play a series of five Test matches against South Africa’s under-21 team from Sunday (today).—APP