Malaysia beat Pakistan 4-3 in penalty shootout to win Sultan of Johor Cup 2026

JOHOR BAHRU: Hosts Malaysia edged Pakistan 4-3 in a penalty shootout to win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 final after the match ended 2-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Saturday. The final began cautiously, with neither side able to score in the first quarter. Pakistan took the lead in the 19th minute when Waleed Rana converted a penalty corner. Two minutes later, Muhammad Usman doubled the advantage with a fine field goal. Malaysia responded before halftime as Mohammad Adam Johari converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Pakistan held that lead until the final quarter, when Dheeressh Gunaseelan scored from a penalty corner in the 49th minute to make it 2-2. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages but could not find a decisive goal, sending the final into a penalty shootout. Malaysia took an early advantage when Adam Johari scored their first attempt, while Hamza Fayyaz missed Pakistan's opening chance. Both sides converted their next two attempts, keeping Malaysia one goal ahead. Pakistan levelled at 3-3 through Rana Waleed in the fourth round, but Muhammad Ammad missed the fifth attempt after Aferullsyah had scored for Malaysia. The hosts eventually secured a 4-3 shootout victory and claimed the title. Malaysia's comeback from 2-0 down and their composure in the shootout proved decisive. Pakistan, who had led for much of the match, were left to rue their missed chances in the shootout.