Pakistan defeated France in a penalty shootout on Friday to advance to the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024, held in Kuala Lumpur.
In the 10th minute of the second quarter, France scored to take a 1-0 lead over Pakistan.
In the 5th minute of the third quarter, a French player doubled the lead to 2-0. However, just three minutes later, Rana Waheed Ashraf scored Pakistan’s first goal of the match.
Later in the third quarter, in the 12th minute, Sufyan Muqeem converted a penalty, and in the 13th minute, Rana Waheed struck again with his second goal of the match, giving Pakistan a 3-2 lead.
However, in the closing moments of the fourth quarter, France’s Charlotte Victor scored to level the match once again at 3-3.
Pakistan progressed to the semi-finals after finishing second in Pool B with four points from three matches. Their group-stage campaign included a 3-2 win over Japan and a 3-3 draw against host nation Malaysia. Their sole defeat came in a closely contested 4-3 match against New Zealand.
Despite the loss, Pakistan advanced to the knockout stage on goal difference, edging out Malaysia, who also concluded the group stage with four points.
France and Korea qualified from Pool A, with France finishing as group leaders. From Pool B, New Zealand secured the top position, followed by Pakistan. In the second semi-final, New Zealand will face Korea, with the winners joining Pakistan in the tournament final.
The FIH Nations Cup serves as a qualification pathway to the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League, adding further importance to the remaining fixtures.
