Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan hockey team snatches victory from Malaysia

APOH: Pakistan men’s hockey team secured a narrow victory over hosts Malaysia with a last-minute goal by Abubakar Mahmood on Saturday.

The three-time world champions dramatically seized victory from the jaws of the hosts with a 5-4 scoreline on the opening day of the 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

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The tournament’s kickoff witnessed a clash between the Green Shirts and the hosts. Pakistan surged ahead early as Sufyan Khan’s strike found the net in the ninth minute. However, the host nation’s Abu Kamal countered quickly, leveling the score in the same quarter.

Abu Kamal Azrai then propelled Malaysia into the lead with another goal in the second quarter. With Malaysia leading 2-1 at halftime, Azrai ignited the crowd’s fervour by securing a hat-trick. The Malaysian showcased his prowess by leading his team with a third goal in the third quarter.

Following Azrai’s hat-trick, Marhan Jalil added to the scoreline with a fourth goal for the hosts.

However, the Pakistani players emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the fourth quarter. Like a symphony of determination, the Green Shirts unleashed a flurry of goals. Sufyan Khan and Zikriya Hayat emerged as the maestros of the field, weaving intricate patterns with their skilled maneuvers.

Sufyan Khan dazzled the spectators with his skill by scoring a hat-trick. Meanwhile, Zikriya Hayat showcased his lightning-quick reflexes by adding another goal to Pakistan’s tally.

With the score deadlocked at 4-4, the tension reached its peak in the final minute. Abubakar Mahmood emerged as the hero of the hour when he expertly converted a penalty stroke into the fifth and final goal for Pakistan.

The Green Shirts are set to confront South Korea in their second pool match on Sunday at 3:15 pm local time.

Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt acknowledged that the team fell short in the first quarter. He also admitted that the Green Shirts struggled to execute the game plan in the first two quarters.

Imad Shakeel Butt credited the victory to the players’ tenacity and the sound strategy devised by head coach Rolent Altmans, highlighting the challenge of staging a comeback after trailing twice.

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The hockey captain appealed to the public for support as Pakistan prepares for its second match against South Korea. He expressed optimism about securing a podium finish in the hockey tournament.

The captain of the Green Shirts also pledged to improve the world ranking of Pakistani hockey.