The Malaysian men’s junior hockey team suffered a 2-5 defeat to Pakistan in their third Pool B match at the Junior Asia Cup, held at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir City, China, on Tuesday.

Malaysia took an early lead in the ninth minute when Mohd Safwan Salihe converted a penalty stroke. However, Pakistan mounted a strong comeback, scoring five unanswered goals in the second half. Nadeem Khan opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 32nd minute, followed by goals from Rana Abdul Rana Sami in the 36th minute, and back-to-back strikes by Waleed Rana in the 39th and 40th minutes. Hamza Ali added a fifth goal in the 41st minute. Malaysia’s G. Dheeressh managed to score a late goal in the 54th minute, but it was not enough to close the gap.

With this result, Pakistan remains at the top of Pool B with nine points, while Malaysia is placed second with six points. China, also on six points, occupies third place, followed by Bangladesh and Kazakhstan, who have yet to earn any points in the competition.

Malaysia’s prospects for advancing to the semi-finals hinge on their final group match against China, scheduled for Wednesday. A victory in this match is critical for the Young Tigers to improve their standing and secure a spot in the next phase of the tournament.

The Malaysian junior team, nicknamed the Young Tigers, previously won the Junior Asia Cup in 2012 and finished fourth in the most recent editions in 2023 and 2024.