PETALING JAYA: The Young Tigers have advanced to the semi-finals of the Junior Asia Cup despite a 1-4 loss to Pakistan in their final group stage match in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday (Dec 1).
The national men’s junior team (Under-21) secured a spot in the semi-finals after finishing second in Group B with seven points, while Pakistan topped the group with 12 points.
Malaysia's entry into the semi-finals also guarantees them a ticket to the 2025 Junior World Cup in India.
In the match, favourites Pakistan took an early lead when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in the third minute.
Malaysia equalised in the 23rd minute with a field goal by Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari, but Sufyan, the 2024 FIH Rising Star Award recipient, restored Pakistan's lead in the 35th minute.
Pakistan extended their lead in the 51st minute with a field goal by Abdul Qayyum.
Sufyan completed his hat-trick before the final whistle, making it four for Pakistan with a penalty stroke in the 58th minute.
Malaysia will face India in the semi-finals on Tuesday (Dec 3).
