Pakistan’s junior hockey team has qualified for the final of the 2026 Sultan of Johor Cup after securing second place in the standings on the basis of a superior scoring record.
Pakistan drew 2-2 with Japan in their final pool match. Both teams finished with seven points from four matches and an identical goal difference of +8, but Pakistan advanced after scoring 18 goals throughout the tournament compared with Japan’s 16.
Japan took the lead in the 18th minute through Yamada Sia. Pakistan equalised in the 34th minute when Hamza Fayyaz converted a penalty corner.
Japan regained the lead in the 42nd minute through Nakai Kazuki, but Pakistan responded just a minute later as Ghulam Mustafa scored to make it 2-2.
With neither side able to find a winner, the final qualification spot was decided by the teams’ scoring records. Pakistan’s higher number of goals earned them second place and a place in the final.