DHAKA, Aug 14, 2026 (BSS)- Despite a defeat to Bangladesh senior national hockey team in the practice match, U-20 hockey team head coach Giles Bonnet is found happy with his team's overall progress and structure.

The Under-20 hockey team went down a 4-3 goal defeat to senior national hockey team in the fourth practice match held at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium. 

Bonnet said the players are understanding their roles and their counter-attacking play was effective. According to the team's data, the U-20 side made more circle entries than the senior team, while both sides had an equal number of shots on goal.

However, Bonnet said the team needed to convert more of those opportunities.

He identified penalty corners and finishing inside the circle as key areas for improvement, while also calling for quick corrections to basic errors, turnovers and allowing opponents shooting opportunities from the top of the circle.

"The present structure of the team gives us confidence. We are on the right track and the team is showing a competitive mentality. But we still have a lot of work to do to reach our desired target," Bonnet said.

Meanwhile the senior and U-20 sides will meet again in their fifth practice match tomorrow (Saturday) at the same venue at 4 pm.