A resilient Pakistan national hockey team booked their place in the FIH Nations Cup 2025 final after overcoming France 3-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw in regulation time in the semifinals on Friday at the National Hockey Stadium.
It was a night of nerves, brilliance, and fierce determination as goalkeeper Muneeb Ur Rehman emerged the hero, making three spectacular saves in the shootout to deny the French and lift Pakistan into their first Nations Cup final. Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz converted from the spot for the Green Shirts to seal a memorable victory. With this win, Pakistan are now set to face New Zealand in Saturday’s final.
The semi-final began cautiously, with both sides pressing hard in the opening quarter but failing to break the deadlock. France earned four penalty corners to Pakistan’s one in the first quarter, but solid defending from the hosts kept the game goalless.
France drew first blood in the 25th minute, when Xavier Esmenjaud sliced through the defence to score a stunning field goal. Their momentum carried into the third quarter, where Victor Charlet doubled the lead with a clinical drag-flick off a penalty corner. However, Pakistan responded in spectacular fashion. What followed was a five-minute spell of attacking brilliance as Pakistan turned the game on its head.
The comeback began with Afraz, who finished neatly after an accurate assist by Rana Waheed Ashraf, pulling one back for Pakistan. Moments later, the hosts benefited from a VAR review that overturned a French penalty corner and earned one of their own due to a foul by the French defence. Sufyan Khan converted with precision to level the score at 2-2.
Riding on this wave of momentum, Muhammad Hammadudin delivered the third goal for Pakistan before the end of the third quarter, giving them a crucial 3-2 lead. The final quarter was a test of nerves and tactical discipline. Pakistan looked to hold on by keeping possession and playing a measured passing game. But with just three minutes remaining, a defensive lapse led to a penalty corner for France, and Victor Charlet rose again to convert, bringing the score to 3-3.
Pakistan had a final chance to snatch victory in the 59th minute, earning a penalty corner. But Sufyan Khan’s flick struck a defender, and the opportunity was squandered, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, it was Muneeb Ur Rehman’s brilliance that made the difference. The goalkeeper saved three out of five French attempts with composure and class. On the other side, Pakistan’s shooters held their nerve, with Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz finding the back of the net to seal the 3-2 shootout win.
This victory not only puts Pakistan in the FIH Nations Cup final but also reflects the renewed spirit and resurgence of Pakistan hockey under the new leadership and with the support of home fans. With the final now looming, Pakistan will be aiming to cap off a remarkable campaign with the Nations Cup title and re-establish itself on the global hockey stage.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan national hockey team on their remarkable achievement of reaching the final of the FIH Nations Cup.
Expressing her joy over Pakistan’s thrilling semifinal victory against France, the Chief Minister praised the team’s fighting spirit and resilience. Maryam especially appreciated the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Muneeb Ur Rehman, team captain Imad Butt, Rana Waheed Ashraf, and other key players for their brilliant display in the high-stakes encounter.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the Pakistan hockey team on their semifinal triumph over France in the FIH Nations Cup, applauding their teamwork and determination.
Naqvi commended the players for their outstanding performance, expressing hope that they will bring the trophy home. “It’s heartening to see Pakistan shining not only in cricket but across all sports,” he said, also extending best wishes to the team management.