Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's junior hockey team qualified for the Sultan of Johor Cup final after a 2-2 draw with Japan.
- Hamza Fayyaz and Ghulam Mustafa scored for Pakistan in the match.
- Pakistan will face Malaysia in the final on Saturday.
Pakistan's junior hockey team secured a place in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Japan in their final round-robin match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.
The match saw Pakistan come from behind twice, with goals from Hamza Fayyaz (34th minute) and Ghulam Mustafa (43rd) ensuring the draw and advancing the team to the title clash.
Both teams finished the league stage with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight, but Pakistan's superior goals-scored record of 18 to Japan's 16 secured their place in the final.
Pakistan's journey through the tournament included victories over China (8-3) and Canada (6-2), as well as a narrow defeat to the hosts, Malaysia (3-2).
The Green Shirts concluded the preliminary round with two wins, one draw, and one defeat, setting the stage for their final showdown.
Malaysia, who remain unbeaten in the tournament, will face Pakistan in the final on Saturday at the same venue, Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to claim the Sultan of Johor Cup title.
