Malaysia Edge Pakistan 4-3 in Penalty Shootout to Win Sultan of Johor Cup 2026

JOHOR BAHRU: Hosts Malaysia won the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 by beating Pakistan 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the final ended 2-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Saturday. The match was decided in a tense shootout after Malaysia fought back from a 2-1 half-time deficit and equalised in the 49th minute through Dheeressh Gunaseelan's penalty corner. The final began at a cautious pace. Neither team scored in the first quarter as both sides tried to feel each other out. Malaysia had more possession, but Pakistan's defensive structure held firm. Pakistan also avoided early risks and kept their shape. The first 15 minutes produced no goals, setting up a tight contest. Pakistan broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Waleed Rana converted a penalty corner. The set-piece was executed well, with the ball moved into the circle and a quick shot beating the Malaysian goalkeeper. The goal gave Pakistan confidence and put the hosts under pressure. Two minutes later, Pakistan doubled their lead through a sensational field goal from Muhammad Usman. A quick counter-attack caught Malaysia's defence out of position, and Usman finished calmly to make it 2-0. At that stage, Pakistan looked in control of the final. Malaysia responded before half-time. In the 25th minute, Mohammad Adam Johari converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal was crucial for the hosts, who went into the break with hope rather than a two-goal mountain to climb. Had Pakistan gone into half-time 2-0 up, the second half might have been very different. The third quarter produced no goals but plenty of intensity. Malaysia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, while Pakistan defended their lead and looked to counter. The Malaysian pressure grew, but Pakistan's goalkeeper and defence held firm. The quarter ended with Pakistan still 2-1 ahead. Malaysia's persistence paid off in the final quarter. In the 49th minute, Dheeressh Gunaseelan converted a penalty corner to make it 2-2. The goal lifted the home crowd and changed the momentum of the match. Pakistan, who had led for long periods, suddenly had to regroup. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing minutes. Malaysia looked to finish the job in front of their home fans, while Pakistan sought to restore their lead. The match became end-to-end, but neither side could score again. The final went to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Malaysia took an early advantage. Mohammad Adam Johari scored their first attempt, while Pakistan's Hamza Fayyaz missed. Malaysia then converted their next two attempts, and Pakistan also scored their next two, leaving Malaysia 3-2 ahead after three rounds. In the fourth round, Malaysia missed, giving Pakistan a chance to level. Rana Waleed converted to make it 3-3. The shootout was back in the balance with one attempt each remaining. In the fifth round, Aferullsyah scored for Malaysia to make it 4-3. Pakistan needed to score to force sudden death, but Muhammad Ammad missed. Malaysia won the shootout 4-3 and claimed the title. The victory was a significant one for Malaysia. Playing at home, they came from behind, equalised in the final quarter and held their nerve in the shootout. The win will boost Malaysian junior hockey and give the players confidence for future international competitions. Pakistan were left heartbroken. They had led 2-0 and 2-1, and they fought back to 3-3 in the shootout, but misses in the first and fifth rounds proved costly. Despite the defeat, Pakistan's performance deserved credit. They pushed the hosts all the way and made the final a memorable contest. Waleed Rana and Muhammad Usman scored Pakistan's goals in regulation time, while Mohammad Adam Johari and Dheeressh Gunaseelan scored for Malaysia. In the shootout, Adam Johari, Aferullsyah and others converted for Malaysia, while Rana Waleed scored a crucial goal for Pakistan. Tactically, Pakistan relied on a solid defensive block and quick counter-attacks. Their first two goals came from a penalty corner and a field goal, showcasing their ability to hurt Malaysia in different ways. Malaysia, on the other hand, dominated possession and used penalty corners to get back into the match. Their persistence and fitness in the final quarter proved decisive. The match had several turning points. Malaysia's goal just before half-time kept them in the contest. Dheeressh Gunaseelan's equaliser in the 49th minute forced the shootout. And Pakistan's first miss in the shootout gave Malaysia an early advantage they never surrendered. The Sultan of Johor Cup is an important junior hockey tournament that gives young players international exposure. Finals like this, decided by a shootout, provide valuable experience. Both Malaysia and Pakistan will take lessons from the match as they continue to develop their young players. For Malaysia, the title is a reward for their resilience. For Pakistan, the defeat is painful but their performance showed promise. The final had goals, comebacks, pressure and a shootout, making it a fitting conclusion to the tournament. Malaysia's players celebrated with the trophy after the final whistle, while Pakistan's players were left to reflect on what might have been. The home crowd went home happy, and the tournament ended with a memorable final.