KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan defeated France in a penalty shootout 3-2 to qualify for the FIH Nations Cup final at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The national side won the penalty shootout after the two sides tied the match at 3-3 at full time.
Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman blocked three France chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory.
Earlier, the high-stakes encounter had a nervous start, as both sides struggled to find an opening goal in the first quarter. Pakistan earned one penalty corner, while France managed four but failed to capitalise.
France eventually broke through in the second quarter, with Xavier Esmenjaud scoring a brilliant field goal in the 25th minute to put the Blues ahead. They extended their lead early in the third quarter when Victor Charlet found the back of the net just four minutes in.
However, Pakistan made a remarkable comeback, scoring three goals in just five minutes to take a 3-2 lead heading into the final quarter.
Afraz opened Pakistan’s account with a well-executed strike, assisted precisely by Rana Waheed Ashraf in the seventh minute of the third quarter. Moments later, France thought they had a scoring opportunity, but their penalty corner was overturned after a VAR review.
Pakistan capitalised on the momentum shift and were awarded a penalty corner following a foul by a French defender. Sufyan Khan made no mistake, converting the opportunity to level the match at 2-2.
Riding the wave of confidence, Muhammad Hammadudin then gave Pakistan the lead with a composed finish, which they held onto as the third quarter ended.
In the final quarter, Pakistan focused on maintaining possession to protect their narrow advantage. However, with just three minutes remaining, a foul by a Pakistani defender handed France a crucial penalty corner, which Charlet converted with authority to level the match once again.
Pakistan had a final chance to snatch victory in the 59th minute through another penalty corner, but Sufyan Khan’s attempt struck a French defender, and the opportunity was lost—sending the match into a dramatic penalty shootout.
It is worth noting here that the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-final of the Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to Malaysia.
