Pakistan’s national hockey team delivered a commanding performance against Japan, securing a 4-2 win in a gripping semi-final match of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup.
The semi-final began with a balanced contest between the two sides. Pakistan took the lead in the 27th minute with a brilliantly executed field goal (FG) by Muhammad Zain. However, Japan quickly responded in the 30th minute as Yuma Fujiwara equalised with a clinical strike, ending the first half with a 1-1 scoreline.
The third quarter saw both teams pressing hard, with Pakistan regaining the lead in the 38th minute through a penalty corner (PC) conversion. Rakusei Yamanaka brought Japan level once more with a PC goal in the 41st minute, making it 2-2.
In the decisive final quarter, Pakistan’s resilience shone through. Muhammad Zain struck again in the 48th minute with another FG, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2. The final blow came in the 52nd minute when Sami Ullah calmly converted a penalty stroke (PS), sealing Pakistan’s place in the final of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup with a 4-2 victory.
Final Scoreline
| Team | Goals | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 4 | 2 Field Goals, 1 PC, 1 PS |
| Japan | 2 | 1 Field Goal, 1 PC |
With this victory, Pakistan maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament, advancing to the final in style. Muhammad Zain’s remarkable two-goal performance and Sami Ullah’s composure in converting a penalty stroke were instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph.
The Green Shirts will face arch-rivals India in the final clash tonight.
