In a decisive performance, Pakistan secured their place in the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 by defeating Malaysia 5-2 in a key Pool B match held in Moqi, China, on Tuesday. This victory marks Pakistan's third consecutive win in the tournament, allowing them to top the group standings with a total of nine points.
The match began with Malaysia taking an early lead, as Muhammad Salehi scored in the ninth minute, putting pressure on the Pakistani side. However, Pakistan demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in the second half, which proved crucial in turning the game around.
After the halftime break, Pakistan ramped up their offensive efforts. Nadeem Khan equalized for Pakistan in the 32nd minute, netting a well-placed shot that shifted the momentum. Just four minutes later, Abdullah Sami Rana put Pakistan ahead 2-1, further boosting their confidence.
Waleed Rana then emerged as a standout player, scoring two quick goals in the 39th and 40th minutes, extending Pakistan's lead to 4-1. His remarkable performance was pivotal as it left Malaysia struggling to respond to the mounting pressure.
Ali Hamza capped off Pakistan's scoring spree in the 41st minute, making it 5-1 and earning him the Man of the Match award for his outstanding contribution. Although Malaysia managed to pull one back through Ganaselen Dhirsh in the 54th minute, Pakistan maintained their composure and effectively defended their three-goal advantage until the final whistle.
This victory not only highlights Pakistan's attacking efficiency but also underscores their unbeaten run in the tournament thus far. With their impressive teamwork and strategic play, they have established themselves as strong contenders in the competition.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their final pool match on Wednesday, which will further test their mettle as they aim to continue their successful campaign in the Asia Cup.
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