Summary Pakistan stormed into the Junior Hockey Asia Cup semi-finals after producing a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Malaysia 5-2 and maintain their unbeaten run.
CHINA (Dunya News) - Pakistan junior hockey team secured a place in the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup semi-finals after staging an impressive comeback to defeat Malaysia 5-2 in their Pool B encounter.
Malaysia made the stronger start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Muhammad Salehi found the net. Pakistan were unable to score during the opening two quarters, allowing Malaysia to carry their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Pakistan, however, transformed the contest after the break and launched a powerful attacking response in the third quarter.
Nadeem Khan started the comeback in the 32nd minute, scoring Pakistan’s first goal to level the match at 1-1.
Just four minutes later, Abdullah Sami Rana struck in the 36th minute to put Pakistan ahead 2-1.
Pakistan then tightened their grip on the match through an outstanding display by Rana Waleed, who scored two goals in quick succession in the 39th and 40th minutes, extending Pakistan’s advantage to 4-1.
The scoring spree continued in the 41st minute when Ali Hamza struck Pakistan’s fifth goal, completing a remarkable period in which the national side scored five times in just nine minutes.
Malaysia managed to reduce the deficit in the 54th minute through Gunaseelan Dheeresh, but Pakistan maintained control until the final whistle to seal a convincing 5-2 victory.
Rana Waleed finished the match with two goals, while Ali Hamza was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Pakistan have now registered their third victory of the tournament and remain unbeaten, with the latest result confirming their qualification for the semi-finals.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the junior team and management on the victory and expressed hope that the players would maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.
