Malaysia fall 5-2 as Pakistan storm into semi-finals

By Asia Samachar  | China |

Malaysia suffered their first defeat of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup after Pakistan struck five times in a devastating nine-minute spell to secure a 5-2 victory in Inner Mongolia, China, on Tuesday.

The Young Tigers had made the brighter start, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Safwan Salihe before carrying their 1-0 advantage into half-time.

But Pakistan transformed the contest after the break.

Nadeem Khan equalised in the 32nd minute before Rana Sami put Pakistan ahead four minutes later. Waleed Rana then struck twice in quick succession in the 39th and 40th minutes before Hamza Ali made it 5-1 a minute later.

The five-goal burst between the 32nd and 41st minutes effectively ended Malaysia’s hopes of maintaining their unbeaten run.

G. Dheeressh reduced the deficit with a penalty corner goal in the 54th minute, but there was no way back for Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin’s side.

The defeat came after Malaysia had opened their campaign with an 8-0 rout of Kazakhstan before beating Bangladesh 4-2.

Pakistan, meanwhile, maintained their perfect record with a third consecutive victory and secured a place in the semi-finals. They moved to nine points at the top of Group B.

Malaysia and hosts China are both on six points, setting up a decisive final group encounter between the two sides on Wednesday for a place in the last four.

China have also won twice, edging Bangladesh 3-2 and thrashing Kazakhstan 10-2.

The tournament features 10 teams, with the top six earning qualification for the 2027 Junior World Cup.

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