Pakistan junior hockey team continued its impressive journey in the U-18 Asia Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over host nation China, securing a spot in the tournament’s semi-final. The match, played on Wednesday in Dazhou, marked the end of the group stage, where Pakistan remained unbeaten among the 11 participating teams — a significant achievement that highlights the resurgence of youth hockey in the country.
The contest started with high energy from both sides, but it was Pakistan who made an early breakthrough. Hassan Shehbaz opened the scoring for the Green Shirts in the 11th minute with a brilliant field goal, putting immediate pressure on the home side. The early lead boosted Pakistan’s confidence and allowed them to dictate the pace of the game for much of the first half.
China, backed by their home crowd, showed flashes of aggression and skill but struggled to break past Pakistan’s disciplined defensive line. The Pakistani midfield controlled possession and created several chances, but China held on to keep the deficit at one goal going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Ali Hanzala doubled Pakistan lead in the 43rd minute with another expertly executed field goal. The 2-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Pakistan’s dominance, as they combined smart ball movement with strong positional awareness. Their pressing game disrupted China’s rhythm and limited their opportunities in open play.
However, China refused to go down quietly. In the final quarter, they mounted a strong comeback attempt and were rewarded with a penalty corner in the 53rd minute. Lin Jiaxing converted the opportunity, giving China a lifeline with a beautifully placed drag flick that beat the Pakistani goalkeeper.
The final minutes of the match were tense, with China pushing for an equalizer and Pakistan focused on preserving their lead. The Pakistani defense held firm under pressure, denying the hosts any clear-cut chances and securing the win with resilience and composure.
This victory confirmed Pakistan’s position at the top of their pool, setting up a crucial semi-final clash with Malaysia on Friday. Malaysia has also shown strong form in the tournament, which promises an exciting and competitive encounter. The winner of the semi-final will advance to the final, with a chance to lift the prestigious continental trophy.
The Green Shirts’ journey so far in the U-18 Asia Cup has been inspiring. With wins over competitive sides and strong individual performances, the team has shown that Pakistan’s hockey future holds promise. Players like Hassan Shehbaz and Ali Hanzala have emerged as key figures, combining skill, vision, and maturity beyond their years.
Pakistan’s coaching staff deserves credit for building a cohesive unit capable of executing a clear game plan under pressure. Their tactical decisions, including smart substitutions and defensive strategies, have played a crucial role in the team’s success.
More broadly, the team’s performance is being seen as a potential turning point for hockey in Pakistan, a sport once considered the national pride. With the senior team struggling on the international stage in recent years, the success of the junior side could provide a much-needed boost to the sport’s popularity and investment at home.
Fans and analysts alike have praised the grit and determination shown by the players. As Pakistan prepares to take on Malaysia in the semi-final, expectations are high. A win on Friday will not only put Pakistan in the tournament final but also send a powerful message about the revival of hockey in the country.
With momentum on their side and confidence running high, Pakistan’s U-18 team now stands just two games away from potential glory. The semi-final clash against Malaysia is set to be a defining moment in the tournament — one that could bring the Green Shirts a step closer to reclaiming their place at the top of Asian hockey.
