Harmanpreet, Shilanand led India’s goalfest as hosts beat South Korea 8-1, set up ACT final against Japan

India put up a breathtaking attacking show to storm into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, beating South Korea 8-1 in the semi-finals in Mohali on Wednesday. The hosts underlined their titles with a dominant performance, scoring eight goals to maintain their tournament unbeaten run and move a 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 defeating Malaysia in the first semi-final. Meanwhile, South Korea will face Malaysia in the bronze medal match.

Shilanand, Harmanpreet lead India’s first attack

India started aggressively and took the lead in the fourth minute through Shilanand Lakra. Dilpreet Singh did the hard work with a great drive down the left before setting up Shilanand who finished to put the hosts in front.However, South Korea found an equalizer against the run of play in the ninth minute. Song crossed from the right and Han Sangjun headed the ball past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera to make it 1-1.The equalizer didn’t slow India down much. The home side responded almost immediately, earning a penalty corner after a back post breach. Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up and unleashed a powerful drive to restore India’s lead. The goal was briefly ruled out for a tackle on the penalty corner, but the TV referee let it stand. It was Harmanpreet’s tenth goal of the tournament.India continued to pressurize the visitors and doubled their lead in the 13th minute. Harmanpreet’s drag flick was first saved by the South Korean keeper but Shilanand was quickest to react to the rebound and converted from close range.

India ran riot with four goals in the second quarter

The guests carried the momentum into the second quarter as Sukhjeet Singh made it 4-1 in the 19th minute. Sanjay took care of the pass and Sukhjeet showed excellent control before the turn to produce an excellent finish without a look.India struck again just a minute later. Dilpreet took advantage of a poor pass from South Korea, combined with Angad Bir Singh for a quick one-two and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 5-1.Dilpreet then produced one of the highlights of the match in the 25th minute. Harmanpreet picked him out with a long pass and the Indian forward struck first time from a tight angle to beat the keeper to make it 6-1. South Korea struggled to stifle India’s attacking moves, with the hosts finding spaces almost at will.

Angad and Vivek add to the misery of South Korea

India added their seventh goal in the 36th minute through Angad Bir Singh. Jarmanpreet Singh crossed from the right and Angad got a crucial touch to divert the ball into the net. The goal further highlighted India’s attacking depth, with several players contributing to the shutout.The home team had opportunities to increase their advantage in the third quarter, but they failed to find another breakthrough. After a successful check, they also earned a penalty corner, but Amandeep Lakra’s effort was saved by the South Korean goalkeeper.South Korea showed a bit more intent in possession in 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 attempted rebound missed the target.India finally completed the eight-goal streak in the 54th minute. Vivek Sagar Prasad made a brilliant diagonal run, controlled the ball and unleashed a reverse shot. The effort showed after he deflected off the goalkeeper’s pads to seal an emphatic 8-1 victory for the visitors.