South Korea Beat Pakistan 4-1 to Reach Men’s Junior Asia Cup Final
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
South Korea defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the second semi-final of the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup on Friday, ending Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the tournament final.
The match was played at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, where Choi Dohyeon scored twice to lead South Korea into the title decider.
South Korea will face India in the final after India defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the first semi-final.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will meet Malaysia in the bronze medal match on Sunday at the same venue.
South Korea Take Control After Quiet Start
The semi-final began cautiously, with neither side able to break the deadlock during the opening quarter.
South Korea eventually found the breakthrough six minutes into the second quarter when Seowon Park scored from open play.
The Koreans extended their advantage five minutes later as Minhyeok Lee converted a penalty corner to make it 2-0.
Pakistan responded before the end of the second quarter, with Nadeem Khan scoring from a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Dohyeon Seals South Korea’s Victory
South Korea restored their two-goal advantage in the 41st minute when Choi Dohyeon successfully converted a penalty corner.
Pakistan entered the final quarter needing two goals to level the contest, but South Korea remained in control.
Dohyeon struck again seven minutes into the fourth quarter, completing his brace with another successful penalty corner and giving South Korea a commanding 4-1 lead.
Pakistan continued to search for a way back into the contest during the final eight minutes, but the Green Shirts could not find another goal.
South Korea held on to secure a convincing victory and book their place in the tournament final.
Pakistan to Face Malaysia for Bronze
The defeat was Pakistan’s first of the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup and brought their campaign for the championship to an end.
The Green Shirts will now turn their attention to the bronze medal match, where they will face Malaysia on Sunday.
South Korea, meanwhile, will meet India in the final as both teams compete for the Men’s Junior Asia Cup title.
