GNIEZNO: In the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Poland, Pakistan’s first game against Malaysia ended in a draw with four goals each in Poland’s Gniezno city.
In the Group B match, a goal in the dying minute of the game by Mahmood Abu Bakar caused Pakistan to draw the match after Malaysia had a flying start with a 3-0 lead.
Malaysia drew first blood by taking the lead with Mohammad Fitri Saari’s penalty stroke in the fourth minute. Malaysia continued to dominate in the early stages of the match as Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal made it 2-0 before Faizal Saari was once again on target in the 11th minute from a penalty corner to give Malaysia a 3-0 lead.
However, Green shirts made a strong comeback with Abdul Rehman opening Pakistan’s account in the third quarter to keep his side’s hopes alive in the game.
Pakistan complete a remarkable comeback with some powerful strikes vs Malaysia! #FIHNationsCup
Stream all the matches LIVE on https://t.co/71D0pOq2OG@PHFOfficial @asia_hockey pic.twitter.com/IqNaTRyYFb
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) May 31, 2024
Despite the huge lead of 3-1, the Pakistan team didn’t lose hope and kept on attacking the Malaysian goal. Sufyan Khan finally managed to score a goal in the 43rd minute with Hannan Shahid adding another nine minutes later.
Meanwhile, Abu Bakr Mahmood scored the equalizer in the last minute of the match with a penalty stroke to salvage the tie against Malaysia.
This was the Pakistan team’s first appearance after a stellar show in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia where the young hockey team remained runner-up after losing the final to Japan on a penalty shootout.
Pakistan will now face Canada in their next match in the Men’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Gniezno City, Poland on Sunday
