In the second group stage match of the AHF Hockey Cup, Bangladesh secured a 3-2 victory against hosts Indonesia.
With just 20 seconds remaining in the match, Fazle Rabbi scored the decisive goal for Bangladesh.
No team managed to score in the first quarter. In 25th minute, Obaidul Islam Joy netted a field goal to give Bangladesh the lead. Three minutes later, Sohanur Rahman Sabuj doubled the lead from a penalty corner.
In final minute of the second quarter, Indonesia scored a field goal to get back into the game.
In fourth minute of the third quarter, Indonesia scored again to equalize.
After that, both teams were desperate to score, but in the end, it was Bangladesh who had the last laugh.
Today’s match was also a tactical battle off the field. Indonesia’s coach Gopinathan, is a former Malaysian coach of Bangladesh. On the other side, Mamunur Rashid, one of the country’s top coaches, returned to lead the national team after nine years.
In the end, Mamunur Rashid came out on top with a hard-fought win.
The Man of the Match award went to Obaidul Hasan Joy, who scored the opening goal.
Bangladesh’s next match is on April 22 against Thailand.
The group stage will end with a match against Sri Lanka the following day.
The top two teams (champion and runner-up) from each group will qualify for the semifinals and also earn a spot in the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh has a record of being the three-time consecutive champions in this Asia Cup Hockey qualifier tournament.
SH
