JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s junior hockey team secured a place in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after playing out a 2-2 draw against Japan in their final round-robin match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.
Hamza Fayyaz scored in the 34th minute, while Ghulam Mustafa found the net in the 43rd minute as Pakistan twice fought back from behind to earn the draw and seal their place in the title clash.
Both Pakistan and Japan finished the league stage with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight. However, Pakistan secured qualification on the basis of scoring more goals, having netted 18 compared with Japan’s 16.
The Green Shirts finished the preliminary round with two victories, one draw and one defeat. They began their campaign with an emphatic 8-3 win over China before defeating Canada 6-2. Their only loss came against hosts Malaysia, who edged Pakistan 3-2.
Pakistan will face Malaysia in the final on Saturday at the same venue. The hosts have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and had already secured their place in the championship decider.
The final will give Pakistan an opportunity to cap their campaign by claiming the Sultan of Johor Cup title against an unbeaten Malaysian side.