MUSCAT: Pakistan’s junior hockey team stormed into the semifinals of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2024 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Malaysia.
The win not only confirmed Pakistan’s semifinal clash against Japan but also secured their qualification for the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in India.
The Green Shirts dominated the Group B encounter, delivering a clinical performance led by Sufiyan Khan, who scored a sensational hat-trick. This was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
Sufiyan wasted no time in putting Pakistan ahead, scoring just three minutes into the game.
Despite controlling the first quarter, Pakistan saw their lead wiped out in the second when Malaysia’s Adam Ashraf Johari equalized in the 23rd minute, levelling the game at 1-1.
Pakistan regrouped after the halftime break, with Sufiyan restoring the lead in the 35th minute.
The Green Shirts then ramped up the pressure in the final quarter, with Abdul Qayyum scoring a brilliant goal to extend the lead to 3-1. Shortly before the final whistle, Sufiyan completed his hat-trick, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory.
Pakistan’s stellar performance in the group stage saw them top Group B with 12 points from four matches, after previous wins against China, Bangladesh, and Oman.
The head coach of the Pakistan team praised his players for their consistency and determination. “The team has shown remarkable character throughout the tournament. We are prepared for the challenges ahead and are focused on delivering our best in the semifinals,” he said.
The first semifinal, pitting Pakistan against Japan, will be played on Tuesday at 5:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time, followed by the second semifinal between India and Malaysia at 8:00 PM. The tournament’s final will take place on Wednesday.
