Pakistan Storm Into Junior Asia Cup Semi-Finals After Thrashing Malaysia 5-2

Pakistan’s junior hockey team booked its place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup after producing a superb comeback to defeat Malaysia 5-2 in a crucial Pool B encounter in China.

The match was played at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, on September 8, with Pakistan entering the contest unbeaten. The victory extended the Green Shirts’ winning run to three consecutive matches and confirmed their progression to the knockout stage.

Malaysia Take Early Lead

Malaysia made the stronger start and went ahead in the ninth minute when Muhammad Safwan Salihe converted a penalty stroke.

Pakistan created opportunities but were unable to find an equaliser during the opening half, leaving Malaysia with a 1-0 advantage at half-time.

The match changed dramatically after the break.

Pakistan increased the tempo and finally broke through in the 32nd minute when Nadeem Khan converted a penalty corner to make it 1-1. Just four minutes later, Rana Abdul Sami scored from open play to put Pakistan ahead for the first time. 

Five Goals Transform the Match

Pakistan then produced a remarkable burst of attacking hockey.

Waleed Rana scored in the 39th minute before striking again from a penalty corner in the 40th minute, giving Pakistan a commanding 4-1 advantage.

Only a minute later, Hamza Ali added another field goal as Pakistan completed a five-goal surge in the third quarter and moved 5-1 ahead. 

Malaysia continued fighting and reduced the deficit in the 54th minute through Dheeressh Gunaseelan, who converted a penalty corner. However, Pakistan comfortably protected their advantage during the closing stages to complete a convincing 5-2 victory.

Waleed Rana finished with two goals, while Ali Hamza was named Player of the Match in reports following Pakistan’s impressive performance.

Pakistan Remain Unbeaten

The result continued an excellent tournament for Pakistan’s junior side.

Pakistan had earlier produced a huge 15-0 victory over Kazakhstan, followed by an important 4-2 win against hosts China. Hamza Fayyaz scored twice against China as Pakistan maintained their strong start to the continental competition. 

The Malaysia victory represented Pakistan’s third successive win, leaving them with nine points and an unbeaten record at that stage of Pool B competition. 

Junior Asia Cup 2026 Format

The Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 features 10 teams divided into two pools of five. Pakistan are grouped in Pool B alongside Malaysia, China, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.

Pool A includes India, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Indonesia.

Under the competition format, the top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 11, while the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches are scheduled for September 13. 

Strong Showing for Pakistan’s Next Generation

Pakistan’s qualification is particularly encouraging because of the manner in which the young team has performed.

The Green Shirts have demonstrated both attacking strength and the ability to respond under pressure. Against Malaysia, they entered half-time behind but completely changed the contest with five goals during an explosive third quarter.

With a semi-final place secured, Pakistan now have an opportunity to challenge for another major continental medal. Pakistan finished runners-up at the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Cup, losing 5-3 to India in the final, making the 2026 tournament another important test for the country’s emerging hockey talent.

The 5-2 victory over Malaysia therefore represents more than another group-stage win. It keeps Pakistan firmly in contention for the Junior Asia Cup title and provides another positive sign for the development of the country’s next generation of hockey players.

 Pakistan will play Bangladesh in the final pool B match on Wednesday.

(Asian Hockey Federation)