Malaysia staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Pakistan in a penalty shootout and win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026. The final ended 2-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday, and the hosts held their nerve to triumph 4-3 from the spot.
The win ended a 15 year wait for the title. Malaysia last won the under 21 tournament in its inaugural edition in 2011, and this was their first final since 2013. For Pakistan, the defeat marked their second runners up finish in the tournament, after they also finished second in 2016.
Pakistan had looked firmly in control early in the game. They took a two goal lead inside the opening quarter, and Malaysia faced an uphill battle in front of their home supporters. The hosts refused to give up, and they fought their way back into a final that will be remembered for its drama.
Pakistan race into the lead
Pakistan opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Penalty corner specialist Rana Waleed converted from a set piece to put the Green Shirts ahead, and the goal settled Pakistan into the match.
Usman Muhammad doubled the lead soon after with a field goal. Pakistan were 2-0 ahead and playing with confidence, while Malaysia were chasing the game and struggling to find a way through a determined Pakistan defence.
The hosts responded quickly to reignite their hopes. Adam Asyraf Johari converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and giving Malaysia renewed momentum before half time.
Malaysia continued to push forward after the break, searching for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 49th minute, when Dheeressh Gunaseelan scored from a penalty corner to bring the hosts level at 2-2.
Neither side could find a decisive goal during the remaining regulation time. Both teams created chances late in the game, but the defences held firm, and the final went to a penalty shootout to determine the champions.
Shootout drama decides it
Malaysia proved more clinical from the spot. They converted four of their attempts, with Johari, Gagandeep Singh and Rahuul Fazrien Muhammad Nazrien among the successful scorers, to seal a 4-3 win in the shootout.
Pakistan scored three times in the shootout. Ali Hamza converted once, and Waleed found the net twice, but it was not enough. Pakistan’s captain Ammad missed his attempt in the fifth round, after Malaysia had moved ahead, and the hosts sealed a memorable victory on home soil.
The triumph capped a perfect campaign for Malaysia. Coached by Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, the Young Tigers won all five of their round robin matches before clinching the title, finishing the tournament with a 100 percent record.
Malaysia had already beaten Pakistan 3-2 in a closely contested group stage meeting on Wednesday. They had further boosted their confidence with a commanding 6-1 victory over Canada on Friday, ahead of the final.
A second title at home
Malaysia coach Nor Saiful praised his players after the final for fighting back from a two goal deficit and completing the tournament unbeaten. “I am overall satisfied with my players for keeping a 100 percent record in the tournament,” he said.
The victory means a great deal to a young side. It was Malaysia’s first final since 2013, when they lost 3-0 to India, and it repeats the achievement of the inaugural 2011 edition, the last time they won the under 21 international tournament.
For Pakistan, the final was a story of a lead lost. They had produced a composed performance for much of the match, and Waleed’s two goals in regulation time had put them in a strong position. But Malaysia’s set piece strength, with both of their goals in regulation time coming from penalty corners, proved decisive.
Pakistan will take some comfort from reaching the final and from the form of their young attackers. Yet the defeat will sting, because the title was within their grasp with less than half an hour left to play.
Malaysia, meanwhile, will celebrate a title won the hard way, in front of their own fans, after coming back from the edge of defeat. The Young Tigers have announced themselves as the team to beat in junior hockey, and they did it by beating Pakistan twice in the same week.
