ISLAMABAD, Mar 02 (APP): Pakistan secured a place in the semifinals of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier after defeating Malaysia 5-3 in their second match of the tournament in Ismailia, Egypt on Monday.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, the national team delivered an impressive performance, combining attacking intent with disciplined play to outclass a competitive Malaysian side.
Rana Waheed Ashraf, Zakariya Hayat, Ahmed Nadeem, Muhammad Sufyan Khan and Muhammad Ammar each found the net once for Pakistan, ensuring a comfortable edge in a high-scoring encounter. For Malaysia, Abdul Rauf, Ahkamullah and Fitri Saari scored one goal apiece, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from clinching victory.
The match witnessed swift exchanges and attacking hockey from both sides, with Pakistan maintaining better control in crucial moments to seal the five-goal tally and confirm their berth in the last four.
President PHF Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, along with Chairmen of the Ad-hoc Governance and Management Committee Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui and Olympian Hassan Sardar, and Chief Selector Samiullah Khan, congratulated the national team on their commendable performance and qualification for the semi-finals.
Pakistan will now face Austria in their third group match on Wednesday as they continue their campaign in the qualifier round.