Pakistan’s junior hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Malaysia 5-2 in a crucial Pool B match.
Malaysia opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Muhammad Salehi, but Pakistan responded strongly in the second half to turn the game around and secure a comfortable victory.
Pakistan stages strong comeback
Pakistan equalised in the 32nd minute when Nadeem Khan scored to make it 1-1.
Abdullah Sami Rana then put Pakistan ahead in the 36th minute before Waleed Rana scored twice in quick succession in the 39th and 40th minutes to give Pakistan a 4-1 lead.
Ali Hamza added Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 41st minute, extending the advantage to 5-1.
Malaysia pulled one goal back in the 54th minute through Ganesan Dhirsh, but Pakistan maintained its lead until the final whistle to complete a 5-2 victory.
Pakistan books semi-final place
The win takes Pakistan into the semi-finals of the Junior Asia Cup while keeping the team unbeaten in the tournament.
Waleed Rana was among the key performers for Pakistan, scoring two goals within two minutes as the team turned an early deficit into a convincing win.