In a riveting display of skill and determination, Pakistan and Japan emerged victorious in their respective matches, solidifying their places in the final showdown of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. With ten points each garnered from four matches, both teams have exhibited prowess and resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an electrifying finale scheduled for May 11 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.
Pakistan, with three wins and a draw under their belt, showcased a remarkable comeback against Canada, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory. Despite trailing by two goals early in the game, the green-shirts rallied back with an impressive display of offensive prowess. Abu Bakr Mahmood’s consecutive penalty corner goals, followed by goals from Arshad Liaquat, Ashraf Waheed Rana, and Ghazanfar Ali, propelled Pakistan to a hard-earned triumph.
Meanwhile, Japan displayed their mettle with a 2-1 triumph over hosts Malaysia. The Japanese team’s blend of skill and strategy proved instrumental in overcoming their opponents and securing their spot in the final match. With an equal tally of wins and a draw, Japan’s journey to the final has been marked by consistency and tenacity.
The standings reflect Malaysia and New Zealand in third and fourth place, respectively, each with six points. South Korea follows closely behind with three points, while Canada finds themselves at the bottom of the table, yet to secure a win in the six-nation invitational event.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance, head coach Roelant Oltmans acknowledged Canada’s formidable challenge and praised his team’s resilience in the face of adversity. He emphasized the need to maintain focus and capitalize on scoring opportunities in their upcoming match against New Zealand.
In response, Canadian coach Patrick Tshutshani commended his team’s dedicated performance despite the narrow defeat. He expressed optimism for their upcoming match against Japan and urged his players to maintain their level of commitment and focus.
The stage is now set for a thrilling final showdown between Pakistan and Japan, promising an exhilarating display of hockey prowess and sportsmanship. As anticipation builds for the culmination of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, fans eagerly await the crowning of the tournament’s champion on May 11.