Johor Bahru, October 23,2026: Hamza Fayyaz and Ghulam Mustafa scored a goal each as Pakistan secured a 2-2 draw against Japan in their final league-stage match of the Sultan of Johor Cup at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Friday.
The draw saw Pakistan finish second in the five-team standings with seven points from four matches, securing a place in the final against hosts Malaysia at the same venue on Saturday.
Both Pakistan and Japan finished the league stage with seven points and a positive goal difference of eight. However, the Green Shirts secured second place by scoring more goals, with 18 against Japan’s tally.
The closely contested match began cautiously, with neither side finding the net in the first quarter despite Pakistan earning two penalty corners.
Japan eventually took the lead in the third minute of the second quarter through a field goal by Seia Yamada and maintained their advantage until halftime.
Pakistan equalised in the 34th minute when Hamza successfully converted a penalty corner.
Japan regained the lead seven minutes later through Kazuki Nakai, but Mustafa struck back a minute afterwards to restore parity for Pakistan.
The Green Shirts had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the final quarter when former captain Mohammad Ammad Butt won a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. However, he failed to convert the chance.
Japan also earned four penalty corners but could not find a decisive goal, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Pakistan will now face Malaysia in Saturday’s final as they look to cap their campaign with the tournament title.
