In a nerve-wracking semifinal clash at the Men’s U-18 Hockey Asia Cup, Pakistan edged past Malaysia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a pulsating 3-3 draw in regulation time, booking their spot in the final against Japan.
The high-octane match, played under pressure and unpredictable momentum shifts, showcased the grit and character of the young Pakistani squad, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Early Command, Midgame Collapse
Pakistan started with electric pace and dominated the opening exchanges. Star forward Abdullah Awan opened the scoring with a perfectly executed penalty corner, followed soon by a stunning field goal from Hasan Shahbaz, giving Pakistan a comfortable 2-0 lead.
But Malaysia wasn’t going down quietly. They launched a fierce counter-offensive, capitalising on defensive lapses to net three consecutive goals, stunning Pakistan and flipping the scoreline to 3-2.
With time slipping away, Pakistan fought back. In the dying moments of regular time, they earned a crucial penalty corner. Arbaz Ahmed delivered, hammering the equaliser and pushing the game into a shootout.
Shootout Heroics
The shootout turned into a test of nerves. While Malaysia missed two crucial strokes, Pakistan kept their composure. The defining moment came when Ali Hanzala stepped up and converted with confidence. Then, it was up to goalkeeper Ghulam Mustafa, who sealed the win with a decisive save on Malaysia’s final attempt.
“This team has shown incredible resilience. They fought back under pressure, and that reflects their spirit and training,” said a team official after the win.
Road to the Final
This win marked Pakistan’s fifth consecutive victory in the tournament, having previously overwhelmed Hong Kong (8-0), Sri Lanka (9-0), Bangladesh (6-3), and China (2-1 in the quarters).
They now face Japan in Sunday’s final — a formidable opponent who ousted Bangladesh in their own semifinal. The final promises to be a battle of tactical mastery and youthful intensity.
Bigger Picture
Pakistan’s appearance in yet another Asian hockey final — their third at youth and senior levels this year — signals a revival in the country’s once-dominant hockey legacy. The win also comes in spite of off-field hurdles, including funding delays and administrative roadblocks that often hamper the sport’s infrastructure.
Yet, for now, the focus is firmly on the final. One more win, and Pakistan’s rising stars could bring home continental glory.
