Pakistan Qualifies for FIH Nations Hockey Cup Semifinals on Goal Difference
New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett scored a hat-trick, and Nicewood added another goal to seal the win.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured a spot in the semifinals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup, edging out Malaysia on the basis of goal difference after an intense group stage in Kuala Lumpur.
Both teams concluded the group stage with four points each, but Pakistan advanced thanks to a better goal margin. Malaysia needed a two-goal win against Japan to qualify, but a late goal by Japan in the final four minutes of the match sealed Pakistan’s path to the next round.
Pakistan will now face France in the semifinal clash scheduled for Friday.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan lost a thrilling match to New Zealand with a narrow 4–3 scoreline. Abdul Rehman was the standout performer, scoring twice in the 13th and 14th minutes, while Rana Waheed Ashraf added a third goal in the 28th minute. However, New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett scored a hat-trick and Nicewood netted another to secure victory for their side.
Despite the setback, Pakistan’s overall performance and goal difference have kept their hopes alive for a place in the final.
Read more: Pakistan Needs Coaches Like Rana Naeem Who Understand Modern Hockey: Rana Sanaullah
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