KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakistan hockey team advanced to the final of the Nations Cup after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in the semi-final held at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday. The match ended in a 3-3 draw at full time, pushing the contest into penalties, where Pakistan emerged victorious.
The game remained goalless in the first quarter, but France took the lead in the second quarter through a deflection goal by Smenjaud Xavier. Charlet Victor added a second goal in the third quarter with a powerful flick, giving France a 2-0 advantage.
However, Pakistan mounted a strong comeback in the second half. Afraz ignited the fightback by scoring the team’s first goal. Shortly after, Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad delivered back-to-back goals, turning the game around and putting Pakistan ahead 3-2.
With just three minutes left on the clock, France leveled the score, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Pakistan held their nerve and clinched the win in the shootout to book a spot in the final.
It’s notable that Pakistan had qualified for the semi-finals based on a superior goal difference over hosts Malaysia.
