Ahead of their title-decider against Oman today, Bangladesh registered a facile 7-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the Men’s Junior AHF Cup at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday and rounded off their group campaign with a hundred percent record.
With 12 points and 31 goals to their name, Bangladesh finished top of the five-team group while Oman ended at second place to set up the title-decider against the hosts. Although Oman (+1) and Chinese Taipei (-4) both have seven points, the Gulf nation claimed second spot virtue of a better goal difference. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the first match of the day.
The Bangladesh stickers, who had already secured the 1st place-decider with a match to spare, appeared serious in their final group match yesterday. Throughout the entire game, the home side showed no signs of complacency against the Lankans. The rhythm, organisation and understanding were notable as Sarwar Hossain and Co stamped their authority over the opposition.
Bangladesh coach Mamunur Rashid urged his boys to continue the trend in the 1st place-decider. “Oman are a formidable opponent and there is no space for complacency. However, at the same time, there is nothing to be afraid of. I will just ask my players to produce the normal teamwork-based game. I think that would be enough.”
His Oman counterpart, former German international Oliver Kurtz, however, hoped that his charges will be able to upset the rhythm of the confident home side. “I have asked my players to concentrate upon teamwork. Bangladesh are a tough opponent at home and we will have to fight them out. Although, I hope Bangladesh will have to sweat it out.”
Bangladesh have been prolific coming into their final group match against the Lankans and the hosts continued to bang in the goals. The rout started as early as the ninth minute when Milon Hossain broke the deadlock. Mainul Islam Koushik doubled the lead in the 17th minute. Ashraful added the third in the 23rd minute while both Fazle Rabbi (28th, 47th) and Mohammed Roman Sarker (44th, 64th) grabbed a brace.
Meanwhile in the first match of the day, Chinese Taipei were held to a 1-1 draw by Oman.
Chinese Taipei went ahead in the 45th minute off a combined attack. Hsi Chen ran down the right flank and threaded a superb cross to the waiting Ching Hsu on the middle of the arc. Ching unleashed a fierce hit to give his side the lead.
Oman, however, equalised in the 64th minute through Muhanna al Hasani. Salmeen al Nof Ali’s powerful hit bounced off the pads of Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Chih Yen before Muhanna’s diving push guided the ball to the back of the net.