Pakistan's hockey captain Ammad Butt trolls Rafale after win against France
Pakistan secured a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over France in the Nations Hockey Cup semi-final on June 20, but it was captain Ammad Butt's post-match remark that set social media alight.
Moments after the win, Butt shared an Instagram story reading 'Rafale down again' — a pointed jibe linking France's defeat to past military tensions between Pakistan and India, referencing Pakistan's claims of downing French-made Indian Rafale jets earlier this year.
Social media users quickly picked up on the story, which has since been deleted, with many sharing their reactions online.
Rafael har jga zaleel hora — 𝑺𝑲 ᝰ.ᐟ (@onlysohail_) June 20, 2025
Hahahah India ne apny Sath Sath France ki bhi beizzat karwadi
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) June 20, 2025
Wrong spelling,it is raFAIL actually. — Uvais (@uvaissss_) June 21, 2025
On the pitch, it was a fiercely contested match in Kuala Lumpur.
France struck first, scoring in the 10th minute and doubling their lead early in the third quarter to go 2-0 up.
Pakistan responded with urgency. Rana Waheed Ashraf netted their opener three minutes later, followed by a successful penalty from Sufiyan Muqeem to level the score.
Moments later, Waheed scored again to give Pakistan a 3-2 advantage.
With just seconds left in regulation time, Charlotte Victor equalised for France, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman emerged as the hero, saving three French attempts. Pakistan's Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Waheed converted their penalties to seal the win and book a spot in the final against New Zealand.
The win keeps Pakistan's hopes alive for their first major international hockey title in years, with the final set to be held at the same venue on June 21.
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