Pakistan reach Johar Cup final

Pakistan on Friday qualified for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their crucial last league game in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Goals from Hamza Fayyaz and Ghulam Mustafa helped Green-shirts recover from a deficit at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.

Both sides finished the league stage with seven points each and a goal difference of plus eight, but Pakistan advanced to Saturday's final because they scored more goals than Japan, netting 18 compared with their rivals' 16.

Pakistan will face unbeaten hosts Malaysia in the final, having recorded victories over China and Canada before losing narrowly to Malaysia earlier in the tournament.

The Green-shirts defeated China 8-3 and Canada 6-2 before suffering a 3-2 defeat against Malaysia, which left their hopes of reaching the final dependent on the final round of matches.

Pakistan responded to the pressure against Japan, with Fayyaz scoring in the 34th minute and Mustafa adding the second in the 43rd minute to secure the draw they needed.

The result sets up a rematch with Malaysia, who have emerged as the tournament's strongest side after winning all three of their earlier matches.

Malaysia beat Pakistan 3-2 in their previous meeting to maintain their unbeaten record and move closer to the final. The hosts also gained some revenge after losing twice to Pakistan in last month's Junior Asia Cup in Inner Mongolia, China.

Pakistan had an early opportunity in that match when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 12th minute, but goalkeeper Abid Amsyar Hanif saved Rana Waleed's flick.

Malaysia took the lead through T. Naaveennash Panicker in the 28th minute before Adeel equalised for Pakistan in the 36th minute.

The match turned in Malaysia's favour when Waleed was shown a red card in the 51st minute for striking an opponent with his stick. Mustafa Ghulam received a yellow card three minutes later, further reducing Pakistan's options.

Malaysia took advantage of their numerical superiority as Safwan Salihe restored their lead in the 55th minute before Naaveennash scored again two minutes later.

Despite earning eight penalty corners, Malaysia could not add to their tally.

Pakistan will now have the opportunity to challenge the hosts for the title on Saturday with a tournament victory within reach after their resilient performance against Japan to secure a place in the final.