Pakistan beat South Africa in FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 classification round

ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 (APP): Pakistan secured a stunning comeback victory against South Africa, winning 4-3 on penalty shootouts in the classification round of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.

The match was tied 4-4 at the end of regulation time. Pakistan goalkeeper Waqar delivered an outstanding performance, said a press release.

South Africa began aggressively, with Del Lora Trevor scoring in the 8th minute and Kasim Dayan adding another in the 18th minute to give their side a 0-2 lead. Pakistan responded strongly with back-to-back goals.

Afraz opened Pakistan’s account in the 21st minute, followed by a field goal from Muhammad Imad just a minute later in the 22nd minute to level the score at 2-2. In the 32nd minute, Rana Waheed Ashraf produced a brilliant finish to put Pakistan ahead 2-3.

South Africa’s Kasim Mustafa then scored twice in the 40th and 55th minutes to turn the game around and restore a 4-3 lead for his team.

In the last moments of the match, Muhammad Hammad Uddin scored a dramatic equalizer in the 60th minute to bring the score to 4-4.

With no winner in given time, the match was decided on penalty shootouts. Pakistan held their nerve and defeated South Africa 4-3 in the shootout. Goalkeeper Waqar was the hero, saving two crucial shootouts to seal a 4-3 win for Pakistan.

PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the team on their outstanding performance.