Pakistan are safely through to the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup after holding their nerve in a pulsating semi-final shootout victory over Malaysia, following a dramatic 3-3 draw in regulation time.
After coasting their way into the semi-finals, the Green Shirts faced their sternest test yet but managed to stay composed when it mattered most.
In a contest that swung wildly across both halves, it was the Green Shirts who struck first blood through Abdullah Awan, who converted a penalty corner in the 5th minute. Just three minutes later, Shahbaz Hassan doubled the lead — again from a well-worked penalty corner — setting the tone for what seemed like an early statement of intent from Pakistan.
But Malaysia, led by the outstanding Muhammad Safwan, fought back with grit and precision. Safwan completed a remarkable hat-trick of penalty corner goals, finding the back of the net in the 10th, 18th, and 28th minutes to turn the match on its head. With the scoreboard reading 3-2 in Malaysia’s favour, Pakistan were under pressure heading into the final stages.
They found a lifeline through Shahbaz Hassan once again, who showcased his poise and positioning in the 40th minute to score a brilliant field goal, bringing Pakistan level and pushing the match into a high-stakes shootout.
In the one-on-one battle from the 23-metre line, it was goalkeeper Mustafa Ghulam who emerged as the hero for Pakistan. The young shot-stopper denied two of Malaysia’s five attempts, including a decisive save against Azrul Izz Ilhan to seal Pakistan’s place in the final.
With this hard-fought victory, Pakistan advance to the final of the U18 Asia Cup, where they will face Japan for the title. The young side now has a shot at continental glory and will look to carry the momentum from this emotional triumph into the championship clash.
The final awaits and with it, a chance for the next generation of Pakistan hockey to etch their names into history.