DAZHOU: Pakistan has qualified for the final of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2025 on Friday after defeating Malaysia in a penalty shoot-out, according to media reports.
Both teams scored 3 goals each at the end of the game, and the game’s fate was decided on a penalty shoot-out.
However, Pakistan managed to secure a win in the semi-final of the tournament.
Earlier, in the final match of the group, the Green Shirts defeated hosts China 2-1 in a thrilling encounter to remain unbeaten.
Pakistan got the upper hand in the 11th minute of the game as forward Hassan Shahbaz scored a well-placed field goal.
Both Pakistan and China lost penalty corners twice, failing to convert them into goals till the interval of the game.
Ali Hanzala scored the second goal of the game for the green shirts in the third quarter, providing an edge to the visiting side.
Jiaxing Lin converted a penalty corner in the same minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The result left Pakistan at the top of Group A, having collected 12 points with a goal difference of +21.
The team had earlier won against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Pakistan is hopeful of reaching the final, the other semi-final will be played between Japan and Bangladesh.
