KUALA LUMPUR – In a nail-biting semifinal encounter at the FIH Nations Cup, Pakistan pulled off a heroic comeback, defeating 10th-ranked France in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the final.
France began strongly, racing to a 2–0 lead. But Pakistan, ranked 15th in the world, responded with resilience and flair. Goals from Sufiyan Khan and Rana Waheed spearheaded the Green Shirts’ remarkable recovery, pushing them to a 3–2 lead.
France equalized late in the game, sending the match into a tense shootout. Goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman emerged as Pakistan’s savior, making critical saves and sealing a 4–3 victory in penalties. His outstanding performance earned praise from fans and commentators alike.
“This win is for the nation,” said the Pakistan captain. “The boys showed great character after being two goals down. Muneeb was exceptional, and the entire team fought hard.”
With this stunning victory, Pakistan now advances to the Nations Cup final, where they’ll face the winner of the other semifinal. A win in the final would not only bring home the trophy but also secure Pakistan a coveted spot in the 2025 FIH Pro League — a major step forward for the revival of hockey in the country.
