In a nail-biting semi-final of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Hockey Cup, Pakistan secured a dramatic victory over France to reach the finals of the tournament, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Green Shirts pulled off an inspiring comeback from a 2-0 deficit, eventually defeating the French team in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 3-3 draw in regular time.
A Game of Grit and Glory
The match opened with high energy as both Pakistan and France launched early attacks, showcasing intent and aggression. However, the first quarter ended goalless, with both sides locked in a tactical battle and unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute of the second quarter, when France struck first, taking a 1-0 lead. Just a few minutes into the third quarter, France doubled their advantage, putting Pakistan under serious pressure with a commanding 2-0 scoreline.
But the Pakistani team, known for their fighting spirit, began their resurgence shortly after. Rana Waheed Ashraf led the comeback charge with a crucial goal in the eighth minute of the third quarter, putting Pakistan on the board at 2-1.
Momentum Shift in the Third Quarter
Inspired by the first goal, Pakistan turned up the intensity. Just minutes later, Sufyan Muqeem leveled the score with a perfectly executed penalty corner conversion in the 12th minute of the third quarter. Within the span of a minute, Rana Waheed struck again, scoring his second goal of the match in the 13th minute to give Pakistan a 3-2 lead — a stunning turnaround in under six minutes.
The French team, rattled but not out, mounted a counter-offensive in the fourth quarter. Their efforts paid off when they managed to find an equalizer, tying the score 3-3 and pushing the semi-final into a tense penalty shootout.
Pakistan Triumphs in the Shootout
In the high-pressure shootout, Pakistan held their nerve and outclassed France with precise execution and solid goalkeeping. The victory marks a major milestone for Pakistan hockey, securing a place in the FIH Nations Cup final — and putting them one step away from earning a coveted spot in the FIH Pro Hockey League, the top tier of international field hockey.
Road to the Final
Pakistan’s journey to the final has been marked by moments of brilliance and resilience. After an intense group stage and a solid quarter-final performance, the team’s mental strength and tactical depth were fully on display in this semi-final clash.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan faced tough competition, including a narrow 4-3 loss to New Zealand, who will now face South Korea in the second semi-final. The winner of that match will meet Pakistan in the final, which is scheduled to be held on June 21.
What’s at Stake?
The FIH Nations Cup is a vital pathway for teams aspiring to play in the FIH Pro League, offering not just elite-level exposure but also a platform to rejuvenate national hockey programs. For Pakistan — a nation with a storied hockey legacy but recent struggles on the international stage — a win in the final would not only restore pride but could also mark the beginning of a renaissance in the sport.
As the final approaches, Pakistan will be looking to maintain momentum and fine-tune strategies to face either New Zealand or South Korea. With players like Rana Waheed and Sufyan Muqeem in fine form, and the defense showing improvement with each match, hopes are high for a triumphant finish.
This semi-final victory has reignited hopes among fans back home and hockey lovers around the world that Pakistan is on its way back to reclaiming its position among the elite in international hockey.
All eyes will now be on June 21 — when Pakistan will fight not just for the Nations Cup title, but for a spot back on the biggest stage of world hockey.
