Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt unleashed a storm on social media after his side’s thrilling victory over France in the semi-final of the Nations Hockey Cup in Kuala Lumpur. 

 

Shortly after the intense match, Ammad shared an Instagram story with the caption, "Rafale down again."

 

 

The remark wasn't just a celebration of the win but also a pointed reference to past military tensions between Pakistan and India. 

 

During the military clashes in May, Pakistan shot down at least four Indian Rafale fighter jets, which are French-made. Ammad drew a sharp parallel between national pride in sport and moments of military history.

 

Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after a nail-biting 3-2 win over France in a penalty shootout during the first semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

Both teams started aggressively, creating chances early in the first quarter, but neither could break the deadlock. In the second quarter, France took the lead in the 10th minute, then doubled their advantage early in the third quarter to go 2-0 up.

 

That’s when Pakistan roared back. Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back just three minutes later. The momentum shifted, and in the 12th minute of the third quarter, Sufiyan Muqeem converted a crucial penalty to level the score. Just a minute later, Rana Waheed struck again, giving Pakistan a 3-2 lead.

 

But France refused to back down. With seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, they equalised through Charlotte Victor to push the match into a dramatic shootout.

 

Under pressure, Pakistan held their nerve. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman delivered a heroic performance, saving three French attempts. On the other side, Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Rana Waheed coolly converted their penalties, sending Pakistan to the final.

 

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final on Saturday.