Sultan of Johor Cup Final: Former Olympian Coach and International Player Muhammad Ali Khan Praises Pakistan’s Performance Despite Disappointing Defeat

Rawalpindi: Former national junior Olympic coach and international hockey player Muhammad Ali Khan, speaking to Nam News about the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 final, praised Pakistan’s performance but expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat, saying both teams played outstanding hockey and luck ultimately favoured Malaysia.

Muhammad Ali Khan said Pakistan should have won the match. He expressed disappointment that, despite taking a two-goal lead, Pakistan allowed Malaysia to level the score, eventually losing in the penalty shootout. However, he praised the players for giving their 100 per cent and fighting until the end.

Pakistan’s key players, Madi Ibad and Hamza Fayyaz, missed their penalty shootout attempts, although both delivered outstanding performances during regular play.

“The match was played at a tremendous pace. It felt as though we were watching a World Cup match. Both teams created excellent attacking moves,” he said.

Ali Khan noted that both goalkeepers performed well, but Malaysia’s goalkeeper produced an outstanding display during the penalty shootout. Pakistan’s goalkeeper, however, was unable to match that level of performance in the shootout.

Highlighting a technical weakness, Muhammad Ali Khan explained that Malaysian players repeatedly moved towards the left before drawing the goalkeeper out of position and scoring towards the right. He said approximately 90 per cent of the players used this approach.

“The goalkeeper should not commit too early by going to ground. He should remain on the line of the ball and keep the player in front of him. Our goalkeeper was coming too far out, advancing approximately 60 to 70 yards,” he explained.

He further said that when Pakistan were leading by two goals, the junior team should have focused on controlling possession and maintaining its position on the field.

“Squandering a two-goal lead and allowing the match to go to a penalty shootout is like losing a match on the field that you had already won. Malaysia scored some outstanding goals in the shootout,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, Ali Khan said he had earlier predicted that Malaysia would benefit from home-crowd support, and that advantage ultimately played a role.

“Nevertheless, well done, Pakistan! The team played well. Both sides delivered an excellent performance, and the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the contest. Today, we can truly say that hockey won. The fans were treated to a wonderful display of the game,” he concluded.

Reporter Ali Hassan