Pakistan edge France in Nations Hockey Cup semi-final in penalty shootout

Pakistan advanced to the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup after beating France 3–2 in a penalty shootout, following an intense 3–3 draw during regulation time in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The teams were tied 0–0 at half-time, despite France earning several penalty corners. Xavier Esmenjaud broke the ice in the second quarter with a neat field goal, and Victor Charlet extended France’s lead early in the third.

Pakistan responded fiercely in the same quarter. Afraz Hakeem scored off Rana Waheed Ashraf’s assist, followed by Sufyan Khan equalising with a penalty corner drag flick. Muhammad Hammadudin then slotted another, turning the score to 3–2. France matched it with a late penalty-corner flick from Charlet, pushing the match into a shootout.

Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb ur-Rehman put in an amazing shift in the shootout, saving three French attempts. Meanwhile, targeted strikers Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz Hakeem each converted their penalties to seal a memorable 3–2 victory.

According to Dawn News, the International Hockey Federation lauded the performance: “Excellent goals in the second half, followed by amazing goalkeeping in the shootout.”

Pakistan now heads to the final on Saturday, where they'll meet either New Zealand or South Korea. A place in the final also secures promotion to the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League.

Match Stats: Pakistan vs France – Nations Cup Semi-Final

Category	Pakistan	France
Full-Time Score	3–3 (Regulation)	3–3 (Regulation)
Penalty Shootout	Won 3–2	Lost 2–3
Goals Scored	3	3
Shootout Conversions	3	2
Shootout Saves	Muneeb ur‑Rehman: 3	—
Key Scorers	Afraz, Hannan, Rana (Shootout)	Charlet (2 goals)
Penalty Corners	Used for two own goals	Awarded four in Q1