Pakistan reach Sultan of Johor Cup final after draw against Japan

Pakistan junior hockey team qualified for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after a 2-2 draw against Japan in their last round-robin encounter at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.

Pakistan scored through Hamza Fayyaz in the 34th minute and Ghulam Mustafa in the 43rd minute as they twice came from behind to earn the draw and book a place in the title clash.

Both Pakistan and Japan ended the league stage with seven points and same goal difference of plus eight. Pakistan qualified nonetheless on the basis of scoring more goals, netting 18 to Japan’s 16.

The Green Shirts ended the preliminary round with two wins, one tie and one loss. They began their campaign with a commanding 8-3 win over China and then defeated Canada 6-2. They lost only to hosts Malaysia, who defeated Pakistan 3-2.

Pakistan will play Malaysia in the final at the same stadium on Saturday. The hosts are unblemished in the tournament and were already assured of a spot in the championship decider.

Pakistan will get an opportunity to conclude their campaign with a title win against an unbeaten Malaysian side in the Sultan of Johor Cup final.