Malaysia staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Pakistan in a penalty shootout and win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 after an entertaining final ended 2-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
The hosts held their nerve to triumph 4-3 in the shootout, denying Pakistan the title after recovering from a two-goal deficit in regulation time.
Pakistan appeared firmly in control after penalty-corner specialist Rana Waleed opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Usman Muhammad extended their advantage four minutes later, scoring a field goal to put Pakistan 2-0 ahead and leave Malaysia facing an uphill battle.
However, 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.
Malaysia continued to push forward after the break, searching for an equaliser against a determined Pakistan defence. 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, forcing the final into a penalty shootout to determine the champions.
Malaysia proved more clinical from the spot, converting four attempts through Johari, Gagandeep Singh, Rahuul Fazrien Muhammad Nazrien and Ashrafeel Iman Mohd Rizal.
Pakistan scored three times, with Ali Hamza converting once and Waleed finding the net twice. Despite Waleed’s impressive contribution, Pakistan fell just short as Malaysia sealed a memorable victory on home soil.
The triumph capped a spirited recovery by Malaysia, who overturned an early two-goal deficit to claim the trophy in front of their home supporters.
For Pakistan, the defeat marked their second runners-up finish in the Sultan of Johor Cup. They had also finished second in the 2016 edition.