Pakistan hockey gamers rejoice after defeating Japan within the FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur on June 16, 2025. — X/@HokitaMY
Pakistan beat Japan on Monday, scoring 3-2 of their second match of the FIH Nations Cup at Nationwide Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Pakistan staged a comeback after trailing 2-1 to safe the win in opposition to Japan.
Ghazanfar Ali gave Pakistan an early lead with a aim within the first quarter. Nonetheless, Japan equalised only one minute later by means of a aim by Kazumasa.
Two minutes after that, Koji Yamasaki scored to place Japan within the lead.
By the top of the primary quarter, Japan was main 2-1. No targets have been scored by both crew within the second quarter.
Within the third quarter, Pakistan’s Rana Waheed Ashraf scored to stage the match at 2-2.
Within the remaining quarter, Sufiyan Khan transformed a penalty nook right into a aim, giving Pakistan the lead as soon as once more. Sufiyan’s decisive aim secured a 3-2 victory for Pakistan.
Pakistan would play its third group match of the occasion in opposition to New Zealand on Wednesday on the similar venue.
A day earlier, Pakistan and Malaysia performed out an exciting 3-3 draw of their opening match of the FIH Nations Cup on Sunday, regardless of Pakistan holding the lead twice throughout the match.
Ahmed Nadeem and Abdul Rehman gave Pakistan an early benefit with two fast targets within the first quarter, serving to their aspect head into the fourth quarter with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Nonetheless, Malaysia bounced again with two targets in fast succession within the remaining quarter, levelling the rating. Fitri Saari and Syed Cholan have been heading in the right direction for the Malaysians.
Pakistan regained the lead when Rana Waheed Ashraf discovered the web, however Malaysia responded simply two minutes later with one other equaliser by Cholan, his 2nd aim of the match, to make it 3-3.
It’s pertinent to say that the match’s format contains preliminary pool matches, with the highest groups advancing to the semi-finals on June 20 and the ultimate and bronze medal matches scheduled for June 21.
The eight taking part groups are cut up into two swimming pools for the preliminary rounds, Pool A consists of France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales, whereas Pool B options Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Pakistan.
The FIH Hockey Nations Cup serves as an important stepping stone for groups aiming to qualify for the elite FIH Hockey Professional League. The winner of this match will earn promotion to the 2025–26 Professional League season.
Pakistan squad for Nations Cup:
Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.
