Malaysia handed Pakistan their first defeat of the 2026 Asian Games hockey tournament, edging the Green Shirts 5-4 in a thrilling Pool B encounter on Saturday.
Pakistan had entered the match on a three-game winning streak after defeating Thailand, Uzbekistan and China. Malaysia’s victory ended Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the competition.
Pakistan opened the scoring through Sufyan Khan in the third minute, but Malaysia quickly levelled through Shello Silverius. Faizal Saari then put Malaysia ahead in the 23rd minute.
Sufyan Khan responded strongly in the third quarter, scoring twice to put Pakistan back in front. Faizal Saari added another goal for Malaysia before the end of the quarter, leaving the score tied at 3-3.
Pakistan regained the lead early in the fourth quarter when Sufyan completed his fourth goal of the match in the 46th minute.
However, Malaysia produced a late comeback. Shello Silverius scored again in the 56th minute before Azrai Abu Kamal struck a minute later to give Malaysia a 5-4 lead.
Pakistan pushed forward in the closing stages and earned penalty corners, but Malaysia held on to secure the victory.
Sufyan Khan scored all four of Pakistan’s goals, taking his tournament tally to nine goals in four matches.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan remain in contention in Pool B. The Green Shirts will play their final pool match against Oman on September 28.