KUALA LUMPUR (Kashmir English): In a thrilling and pivotal stage of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026, the Pakistan junior hockey team has qualified for the final based on a superior goal average.
According to details, the final pool match between Pakistan and Japan was a fiercely contested encounter, ending in a 2-2 draw after regulation time.
In the 18th minute, Japan’s Yamada Seiya scored a field goal to give his team a 1-0 lead; however, in the 34th minute, Pakistan’s Hamza Fayyaz leveled the score at 1-1 by converting a penalty corner.
In the 42nd minute, Japan’s Nakai Kazuki scored a field goal to put Japan ahead 2-1 once again, but just a minute later, Pakistan’s Ghulam Mustafa responded to bring the score to 2-2.
Following the draw, both Pakistan and Japan finished with 7 points from 4 matches, and both also shared an identical goal difference of +8.
However, Pakistan scored a total of 18 goals throughout the tournament, compared to Japan’s 16.
By virtue of having scored more goals, Pakistan secured the second position in the standings and confirmed their place in the final.
Pakistan will now face unbeaten Malaysia in the final on Saturday at the same venue. The hosts had already secured their place in the title clash.
