Hockey World League Round 2: Bangladesh face Pharaohs in last eight Thursday

Being a trans-continental country linking north-east Africa with the middle east, Egypt represent Africa in world hockey and mostly play in the African tournament. That is why perhaps Bangladesh rarely get to play the Pharaohs. The two sides have not faced each other in more than a decade. The home side have not enjoyed the best of times in the group round where they finished third with a single win and two defeats, against favourite Malaysia and Oman. In contrast, Egypt enjoyed a stellar campaign in the group stage, having finished unbeaten. They finished second in Pool B where China finished top with the same number of points. Prior to the tournament, Bangladesh, ranked 12 places below Egypt, set their key target of reaching the semi-finals. But their defeat against Oman in the last group stage match denied them from getting an easier fixture in the last eight. Bangladesh's major concern in the first two matches was penalty corners and it haunted them against Oman, along with a shaky midfield. “Bangladesh couldn't play according to ability in the group round. The performance was not consistent. [Thursday] is our final test to prove our worth. I wouldn't say Bangladesh will beat Egypt but it can happen in hockey,” said local coach Mahbub Harun on the eve of the game. First-choice goalkeeper Asim Gope, who got injured against Oman, was ruled out of the last eight due to injury and is likely to be replaced by Zahid Hossain. If Bangladesh win, they will reach the last four while a loss would take them to a fight for third place.