Pakistan and France to Decide FIH Nations Cup Semi-final via Penalty Shootout

KUALA LUMPUR: The gripping FIH Nations Cup semi-final between Pakistan and France will be determined by a penalty shootout after both teams concluded the match with a 3-3 draw at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday.

The tense encounter began cautiously, with neither side able to secure an opening goal during the first quarter. Pakistan earned one penalty corner, while France had four opportunities.

France managed to break the deadlock in the second quarter when Xavier Esmenjaud penetrated Pakistan’s defense to score a remarkable field goal in the 25th minute.

France extended their advantage early in the third quarter, with Victory Charlet scoring just four minutes in.

Pakistan then mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals in quick succession within five minutes to take a 3-2 lead into the final quarter.

Afraz scored Pakistan’s first goal following an accurate assist from Rana Waheed Ashraf in the seventh minute of the third quarter.

The green shirts survived a critical moment when a French penalty corner was overturned after a VAR review.

Shortly after, Pakistan received a penalty corner due to a foul committed by a French defender.

Sufyan Khan successfully converted the penalty corner, leveling the score at 2-2.

Fueled by this momentum, Pakistan took the lead through Muhammad Hammadudin, which they maintained until the end of the third quarter.

Pakistan then focused on preventing France from equalizing through strategic passing, but a foul by a Pakistani defender with only three minutes remaining awarded France a crucial penalty corner. Charlet expertly converted this opportunity, tying the game.

Pakistan had a golden chance to score the decisive goal in the 59th minute with another penalty corner, but Sufyan Khan’s attempt was unsuccessful as he hit a French defender in the process.