KUALA LUMPUR, June 20, 2025 – In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter, Pakistan edged past France in a nail-biting penalty shootout to secure a place in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
The semi-final clash, held at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, saw Pakistan’s hockey team prevail 3-2 after the match ended in a gripping deadlock.
The Green Shirts demonstrated nerves of steel as they held off the French challenge in the shootout. France missed three crucial chances, while Pakistan held firm, with successful conversions from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz sealing the victory. The result marks a significant milestone for Pakistan hockey, which has been striving to reclaim its glory on the international stage.
The opening quarter was an evenly matched contest, with both sides applying pressure but failing to break the deadlock. France had several penalty corner opportunities but couldn’t capitalize, while Pakistan’s hockey defense remained resilient.
In the second quarter, France struck first through Smenjaud Xavier, who deflected the ball skillfully into the net, putting Pakistan on the back foot. The situation worsened in the third quarter when Charlet Victor fired in a powerful flick to double France’s lead, casting doubts over Pakistan’s chances of a comeback.
However, the Green Shirts showed tremendous character. Afraz reignited the team’s hopes with a timely goal, and moments later, Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad stunned the French defense with two goals in quick succession, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2 before the end of the third quarter.
France pushed hard in the final quarter but failed to find an equalizer, leading to the dramatic shootout that ended in Pakistan’s favor.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan’s hockey squad reached the semi-finals thanks to a superior goal difference over hosts Malaysia. Despite a 2-1 Malaysian win over Japan, Pakistan’s tally of nine goals across three matches outshone Malaysia’s eight, sending them through.
While Pakistan suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to New Zealand in the group stage despite leading 3-1, the team’s spirit and resilience have now carried them to a coveted final appearance—offering a fresh glimpse of hope for the revival of Pakistan hockey.