Johor Bahru, 24 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan’s junior hockey team has qualified for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after securing a 2-2 draw against Japan in their final round-robin match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Friday. Hamza Fayyaz scored in the 34th minute, while Ghulam Mustafa found the net in the 43rd minute as Pakistan twice came from behind to earn a draw and secure their place in the title clash. Pakistan and Japan both finished the league stage with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight. However, Pakistan advanced to the final by scoring more goals, netting 18 compared with Japan’s 16. The Green Shirts concluded the preliminary round with two victories, one draw and one defeat. Pakistan began their campaign with an emphatic 8-3 victory over China before defeating Canada 6-2. Their only defeat came against tournament hosts Malaysia, who edged Pakistan 3-2. Pakistan will face Malaysia in the final on Saturday at the same venue. The hosts have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and had already secured their place in the championship decider. The final presents Pakistan with an opportunity to complete their campaign by winning the Sultan of Johor Cup title against an unbeaten Malaysian side.