Hanan Shahid Scores Winning Goal as Pakistan Complete Impressive Comeback

By Asim Siddiqui

Pakistan produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Japan 4–3 in their opening classification-round match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 20Hanan Shahid Scores Winning Goal as Pakistan Complete Impressive Comeback

By Asim Siddiqui

Pakistan produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Japan 4–3 in their opening classification-round match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.

Japan started strongly and took a 2–0 lead, putting Pakistan under early pressure. Pakistan responded with determination as Waheed Ashraf Rana scored twice to bring the match level at 2–2.

Hammaduddin Muhammad then gave Pakistan a 3–2 advantage, but Japan fought back to equalize through a penalty corner.

With the match finely balanced, Hanan Shahid stepped up in the fourth quarter and scored the decisive goal to secure a memorable 4–3 victory for Pakistan.

The win gives Pakistan a positive start in the classification round, where teams are competing to determine their final tournament positions. Pakistan will next face New Zealand, with another important match ahead as they look to finish the World Cup strongly.26.

Japan started strongly and took a 2–0 lead, putting Pakistan under early pressure. Pakistan responded with determination as Waheed Ashraf Rana scored twice to bring the match level at 2–2.

Hammaduddin Muhammad then gave Pakistan a 3–2 advantage, but Japan fought back to equalize through a penalty corner.

With the match finely balanced, Hanan Shahid stepped up in the fourth quarter and scored the decisive goal to secure a memorable 4–3 victory for Pakistan.

The win gives Pakistan a positive start in the classification round, where teams are competing to determine their final tournament positions. Pakistan will next face New Zealand, with another important match ahead as they look to finish the World Cup strongly.