Malaysia Edge Pakistan 4-3 in Penalty Shootout to Win Sultan of Johor Cup 2026

Hosts Malaysia held their nerve to beat a spirited Pakistan 4-3 in the penalty shootout and clinch the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 title after their thrilling final ended 2-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday. The summit clash began cautiously, with neither side able to score in the first quarter. Pakistan eventually took the lead in the 19th minute when Waleed Rana converted a penalty corner. Pakistan doubled their advantage two minutes later through a sensational field goal from Muhammad Usman, but Malaysia pulled one back in the 25th minute when Mohammad Adam Johari converted a penalty corner, leaving the Green Shirts with a slender one-goal lead at halftime. Pakistan held that advantage until the final quarter, when Malaysia equalised in the 49th minute through Dheeressh Gunaseelan, who converted another penalty corner. Both teams then pushed for the winner, but neither could find the decisive goal and the final headed into a penalty shootout. Malaysia took an early advantage in the shootout as 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 drew level at 3-3 when Rana Waleed scored their fourth attempt, but Muhammad Ammad faltered in the fifth after Aferullsyah had struck for Malaysia, and the Green Shirts eventually fell to a 4-3 defeat. The match reflected the shifting momentum of a high-pressure final. Pakistan looked in control after scoring twice in quick succession in the first half, but Malaysia stayed within reach through Adam Johari's penalty-corner goal before halftime. The hosts defended better in the third quarter and then raised their attacking tempo in the final period. Gunaseelan's equaliser changed the mood inside the stadium and forced the match into a shootout, where Malaysia's composure proved decisive. Adam Johari, Aferullsyah and their teammates delivered under pressure, while Pakistan rued the missed chances in the one-on-one battle. For Malaysia, the title was a reward for resilience in front of home supporters. For Pakistan, the defeat was painful because they had led for much of the match and came within one successful shootout attempt of extending the contest. Waleed Rana and Muhammad Usman scored in regulation time for Pakistan, while Hamza Fayyaz and Muhammad Ammad missed in the shootout. Malaysia's goals in normal time came from Mohammad Adam Johari and Dheeressh Gunaseelan, with the shootout providing the final margin.