DHAKA, Jan 9, 2023 (BSS) - As expected Bangladesh youth hockey team ensured ticket of Junior Asia Cup Hockey after beating Uzbekistan by 6-1 goals in their third and ultimate Pool B match of the Men's Junior AHF Cup hockey competition held today (Monday).
Thanks to Amirul Islam, who scored a brilliant hat-trick to steer Bangladesh as group champions in the competition, held at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman. Earlier, Bangladesh confirmed their last semifinal spot winning their previous group two matches of the competition.
The boys in red and green will now play the first semifinal against either Thailand or Chinese Taipei scheduled to be held on Wednesday (Jan 11) at the same venue at 6.15 pm (BST).
After the barren first quarter, Abdusalom Madaminov broke the deadlock scoring the first goal for Uzbekistan converting a penalty corner in the 18th minute.
But, Bangladesh staged a brilliant fight back in the second quarter as Amirul Islam scored two goals in span of three minutes, the first goal in the 26th and the second one in the 28th minutes, both came from penalty corner.
Md. Hasan scored a field goal for Bangladesh in the 33rd minute to make the score line 3-1 in the third quarter.
MD. Joy further widened the Bangladesh's margin scoring two field goals in the 39th and 52nd minutes while Amirul sealed the victory completing his hat-trick goal converting a penalty corner in the 54th minute of the match.
Bangladesh, which currently stands top of the points table in Pool B with nine points.Earlier Bangladesh made an auspicious start in the competition beating Hong Kong China by 4-0 goals in their opening match held on Friday last and confirmed their spot of last four after thrashing Sri Lanka by 14-0 goals in their second held on Saturday last.
The title aspirant Bangladesh team pitted in group B along with Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China and Uzbekistan while the Pool A consisted with Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and host Oman.
The final of the competition is slated for January 12 at the same venue.
