Muscat, December 3, 2024 – Pakistan clinched a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Japan on Tuesday, securing their place in the final of the 2024 Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup. Hannan Shahid, the team captain, led the charge with two crucial goals in a thrilling semifinal encounter.
The match began cautiously, with both teams unable to find the back of the net in the first quarter. The deadlock was finally broken in the 26th minute when Hannan Shahid scored to put Pakistan ahead. However, Japan responded swiftly, as Tsubasa Tanaka equalized in the final moments of the second quarter, leaving the game finely poised at 1-1 at halftime.
The third quarter mirrored the intensity of the previous periods. Ali Basharat restored Pakistan’s lead in the 38th minute, but Japan once again pulled level three minutes later through Rakusei Yamanaka.
Entering the decisive fourth quarter, Pakistan showed renewed determination. Hannan Shahid struck again with a brilliant field goal in the 48th minute, giving his team the edge. Four minutes later, Pakistan capitalized on a penalty corner, with Sufiyan Khan successfully converting to extend the lead to 4-2. The scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle, sealing Pakistan’s victory.
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, Pakistan will now face either India or Malaysia in the final, set to be held at the same venue on Wednesday.
