Pakistan drew 2-2 with Japan but advanced to the Sultan of Johor Cup final on goals scored, setting up a showdown with Malaysia.
PAKISTAN will face Malaysia in the final of the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup International Under-21 Hockey Tournament after drawing 2-2 with Japan in their final round-robin match on Friday.
The Green Shirts secured their place in Saturday’s final on goal difference, having scored 18 goals in the group stage compared with Japan’s 16.
Malaysia, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their winning momentum after edging Pakistan 3-2 in an earlier meeting. Saturday’s showdown will pit the Asian Games silver medallists against the bronze medallists.
Japan took the lead in the 18th minute through Sein Yamada, but Pakistan drew level when Fayyaz Hamza converted a penalty corner in the 34th minute.
Fayyaz was later named Man of the Match and received his award from Johor Hockey Association vice-president III Nor Azizah Ismail.
Japan regained the lead when Kazuki Nakai capitalised on a lapse in Pakistan’s possession to score from open play.
However, Pakistan secured the equaliser they needed to book their place in the final when Ghulam Mustafa converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute.
Pakistan had earlier missed an opportunity to score from a penalty stroke but recovered to secure the draw and keep their title hopes alive.
The Green Shirts’ best finish in the tournament came in 2016, when they claimed silver after losing 1-3 to Australia in the final. They finished fourth last year.
Pakistan will also have Waleed Rana available for the final after he served a one-match suspension following an altercation during their match against Malaysia.
Pakistan coach Syed Sameen praised his players’ determination in fighting back twice against Japan.
“I must applaud the players for their hard work and determination in this comeback twice.
“Our mission is to make it to the final and have an enjoyable match.
“Basically, it is a big match for us and Malaysia. The Malaysians have always been a strong side.
“We have beaten them twice in the Junior Asia Cup in Mogi, China, but that is history now. We look forward to an interesting final,” he added.