Pakistan storm into Junior Asia Cup semi-finals after beating Malaysia 5-2

HULUNBUIR: Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 5-2 victory over Malaysia in their Pool B encounter in Moqi, China, on Tuesday.

The victory was Pakistan’s third successive win in the tournament, taking them to the top of Pool B with nine points and maintaining their unbeaten record.

Malaysia made the stronger start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Muhammad Salehi found the net.

Pakistan struggled to break through Malaysia’s defence in the opening two quarters and went into half-time trailing 1-0.

The Pakistan side, however, produced a remarkable turnaround after the interval, scoring four goals in a nine-minute spell to take control of the match.

Nadeem Khan restored parity in the 32nd minute before Abdullah Sami Rana put Pakistan ahead four minutes later.

Waleed Rana then struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 39th and 40th minutes to give Pakistan a commanding 4-1 lead.

Ali Hamza completed Pakistan’s five-goal burst in the 41st minute, extending the advantage to 5-1. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Malaysia reduced the deficit in the 54th minute through Ganaselen Dhirsh, but Pakistan held on comfortably to secure a 5-2 victory.

Waleed Rana was Pakistan’s leading scorer with two goals, while Hamza was recognised for his all-round contribution.

The result puts Pakistan through to the knockout stage with a game still to play in the pool. Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their final Pool B match on Wednesday.

Malaysia and hosts China are currently level on six points, with their meeting on Wednesday set to determine the second semi-finalist from the group. Only the top two teams from each pool advance to the semi-finals.

Pakistan had earlier opened their campaign with a 15-0 rout of Kazakhstan before producing another impressive performance against hosts China, whom they defeated 4-2 on Sept 5. Hamza Fayyaz scored twice against China, while Nadeem Khan and Abdul Sami were also on target.

The win over China was particularly significant as Pakistan were facing the hosts in a crucial Pool B fixture. China had earlier beaten Bangladesh 3-2 in their opening match, while Malaysia had begun their campaign with an 8-0 victory over Kazakhstan.

Pakistan’s latest victory continues an encouraging run for the junior side, which has combined a strong attack with disciplined defending throughout the tournament.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the players and management on the victory and expressed hope that the team would maintain its winning momentum in the remaining matches.

Pakistan are three-time champions of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup and will now look to build on their unbeaten run as they prepare for the semi-finals.