India secured the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, defeating their arch-rivals Pakistan 6-5 on penalties after open play ended 3-3. Germany went on to win the gold medal, with Australia claiming the silver medal.
Earlier in the tournament, the two rivals played out a 3-3 draw as well. But this time, a winner was necessary to confirm the recipient of the bronze medal. And in sudden death, Mohith HS was the difference maker to steer his side to a third placed finish at the tournament.
Sultan of Johor Cup 2023: India beat Pakistan on penalties to win bronze medal
The match started off with both teams probing the field carefully, but the game would open up shortly after, with India drawing first blood in the high-stakes match.
Arun Sahani opened the scoring for the Blues, before Sufyan Khan levelled things up after the half hour mark. Goals followed thick and fast later on, with both sides scoring twice between the 42nd and 57th minute to make it 3-3.
Arshad Liaqat, Hannan Shahid, Abdul Rehman, and Ahtisham Aslam scored the penalties for Pakistan, while Vishnukant Singh, Rajinder Singh, Angad Bir Singh, and Uttam Singh found the net for India to keep their chances alive.
