India thrash South Korea 8-1 to storm into ACT final, set up Japan clash

India beat South Korea

India produced a breathtaking attacking display to storm into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, thrashing South Korea 8-1 in the semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday. The hosts underlined their title credentials with a dominant performance, scoring eight goals to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament and move one step closer to lifting the trophy.Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh scored twice each, while Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad also got on the scoresheet as India overwhelmed the South Korean defence. India will now face Japan in the final after the latter defeated Malaysia in the first semi-final. South Korea, meanwhile, will take on Malaysia in the bronze-medal match.

Shilanand, Harmanpreet lead India's early charge

India made an aggressive start and took the lead in the fourth minute through Shilanand Lakra.

Dilpreet Singh did the hard work with a superb run down the left before setting up Shilanand, who applied the finishing touch to put the hosts ahead.South Korea, however, found an equaliser against the run of play in the ninth minute. Song delivered a pass from the right, and Han Sangjun directed the ball past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera to make it 1-1.The equaliser did little to slow India down. The hosts responded almost immediately, earning a penalty corner after a backstick infringement.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up and unleashed a powerful drag-flick to restore India's lead. The goal was briefly referred for a check over the trap during the penalty corner, but the TV umpire allowed it to stand. It was Harmanpreet's 10th goal of the tournament.India continued to pile pressure on the visitors and doubled their advantage in the 13th minute. Harmanpreet's drag-flick was initially saved by the South Korean goalkeeper, but Shilanand reacted quickest to the rebound and converted from close range to complete his brace.

India run riot with four goals in second quarter

The hosts carried their momentum into the second quarter, with Sukhjeet Singh making it 4-1 in the 19th minute. Sanjay provided the pass, and Sukhjeet displayed excellent control before turning and producing a superb no-look finish.India struck again just a minute later. Dilpreet capitalised on a poor pass from South Korea, combined with Angad Bir Singh through a quick one-two and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 5-1.Dilpreet then produced one of the standout moments of the match in the 25th minute. Harmanpreet picked him out with a long pass, and the Indian forward took a first-time shot from a tight angle to beat the goalkeeper and make it 6-1. South Korea struggled to contain India's attacking movements, with the hosts finding spaces almost at will.

Angad and Vivek add to South Korea's misery

India added their seventh goal in the 36th minute through Angad Bir Singh. Jarmanpreet Singh delivered a pass from the right, and Angad got a crucial touch to redirect the ball into the net.

The goal further highlighted India's attacking depth, with multiple players contributing to the rout.The hosts had opportunities to increase their advantage in the third quarter but were unable to find another breakthrough. They also earned a penalty corner following a successful review, but Amandeep Lakra's effort was saved by the South Korean goalkeeper.

South Korea showed slightly more intent in possession during the final quarter, but India remained in control.

Harmanpreet came close to creating another opportunity with a superb aerial pass that bypassed the entire Korean defence, although Angad's reverse-hit attempt missed the target.India eventually completed the eight-goal rout in the 54th minute. Vivek Sagar Prasad made a brilliant diagonal run, controlled the ball and unleashed a reverse-hit shot. The effort went in after taking a deflection off the goalkeeper's pads, sealing an emphatic 8-1 victory for the hosts.