Pakistan Reach Sultan of Johor Cup Final After Draw Against Japan

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Pakistan’s junior hockey team secured a place in the Sultan of Johor Cup final after earning a 2-2 draw against Japan in their final group-stage match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.

The Green Shirts twice recovered from a goal behind to secure the result, with Hamza Fayyaz scoring in the 34th minute before Ghulam Mustafa found the net in the 43rd minute.

Both Pakistan and Japan finished the preliminary round with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight. However, Pakistan advanced to the final after scoring 18 goals during the group stage, compared with Japan’s 16.

Pakistan completed the group stage with two victories, one draw and one defeat. They began their campaign with an impressive 8-3 win over China before defeating Canada 6-2. Their only loss came against tournament hosts Malaysia, who secured a narrow 3-2 victory.

The result against Japan confirmed Pakistan’s place in the title decider, setting up a final against Malaysia on Saturday at the same venue.

Malaysia entered the final unbeaten in the tournament and will have the opportunity to compete for the title on home soil.

Pakistan will now look to carry their group-stage momentum into the final as they aim to finish the competition with a major achievement in junior international hockey.