Johor Bahru: Pakistan’s junior hockey team survived two deficits against Japan on Friday to reach the Sultan of Johor Cup final, with their tournament scoring record ultimately separating the sides after a 2–2 draw.
Hamza Fayyaz scored in the 34th minute and Ghulam Mustafa in the 43rd at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, according to Dawn Sport. Each goal brought Pakistan level, securing the point they needed to advance.
Pakistan and Japan finished with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight. Pakistan progressed because they had scored 18 goals across their four matches, compared with Japan’s 16.
Goal difference is calculated by subtracting goals conceded from goals scored. With that measure also level, the higher scoring total became decisive.
That made Pakistan’s opening victories significant beyond the points they earned. The 8–3 win over China and 6–2 victory against Canada supplied 14 of their 18 goals, providing the advantage that Friday’s draw preserved.
Another meeting with Malaysia
Pakistan finished the preliminary stage with two wins, one draw and one defeat. They will now face Malaysia on Saturday, October 24, at the same venue, with the tournament’s official schedule confirming the title match that day.
The final offers Pakistan another opportunity against the hosts after their narrow 3–2 defeat in the league stage. Malaysia had already secured qualification and remained unbeaten, according to Dawn’s report.
The tournament is an international competition for men’s under 21 teams. This year’s field comprises Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, China and Canada, with each side playing the others once before the top two contest the final.
Pakistan’s immediate challenge is to turn Friday’s recovery into a stronger start against Malaysia. Their two equalisers kept the campaign alive; the final will require overcoming the only team to have beaten them in the tournament.
