JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia): Pakistan after playing a tense 2-2 draw against Japan qualified for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup on a better goal average here at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Friday.
It was Pakistan’s last pool match in the event. The final will be played between Pakistan and hosts Malaysia.
In the 18th minute, Yamada Seia scored a field goal to give Japan the lead. In the 34th minute, Pakistan’s Hamza Fayyaz scored the equalizer on a penalty corner.
In the 42nd minute, Kazuki Nakai struck a field goal to put Japan ahead again. However just a minute later, Pakistan’s Ghulam Mustafa responded to make it 2-2.
After the draw, Pakistan and Japan had seven points each from four matches and both had a goal difference of eight plus. However, Pakistan scored a total of 18 goals in the tournament while Japan scored 16.
On the basis of scoring more goals, Pakistan secured second place to reach the decider.
Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026
