BD to face Oman in final today

FE Team | Published: March 23, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Bangladesh reached the final of the Islami Bank Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers with an all-win run beating Sri Lanka by 3-0 goals by tie-breaker as the 2nd semifinal was locked in 2-2 goals at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in the city Saturday, reports UNB.
Bangladesh will play the final today (Sunday) at 3:15 pm against Oman which booked a seat for the final outplaying Singapore by 4-0 goals in the first semifinal on Saturday afternoon while two losing semifinalists Sri Lanka and Singapore will play in the 3rd place-deciding match, also Sunday at 1pm.
Chinese Taipei and Iran, also qualified for the Asian Games Hockey as the six top finishers along four semifinalists, will meet each other in the 5th place-deciding match today (Sunday) at 11:15 am.
Six teams-South Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan, China and Malaysia -- will directly play in the Asian Games Hockey finals, alongside six qualifying teams, to be held in the South Korean 3rd biggest city of Incheon this year.
Two lowly teams of the eight-nation qualifiers-Qatar and Hong Kong China - were eliminated from the race, but they will play in the 7th place-deciding match on Sunday at 9 am.
In the day's 2nd semifinal, Bangladesh custodian Ashim Gope guided the team towards the final foiling three Sri Lankan attempts in the tie-breaker and was adjudged the man of the match.
In the tie breaker, Sabbir Hossain, Krishna Kumar Das and Sarwar Hossain scored one each for the home side dodging past opponent goalie while Mainul Islam Koushik sent the ball outside.
Bangladesh goalie Ashim Gope foiled the attempts of Sri Lankan's Tharanga Irosha and Sandaruwan Priyalanka while Lahiru Gihan Weersooriya hit the ball outside in tie-breaker session.
In the schedule time, Sri Lanka took the lead in the 20th minute through a combined attack. Damith Madhusanka put Sri Lankan ahead by a cool push beating Bangladesh goalie Ashim Gope, off a right flank square pass from hardworking Rajita Dilan Kulathunga (1-0).
Pushkor Khisa Mimo restored the parity for Bangladesh in the 43rd minute from a penalty stroke (1-1). After a penalty corner Nannu's slap hit was struck the hand of Sri Lankan defender Tharnaga Irosha and Bangladesh awarded a penalty stroke.
In the 62nd minute, Rabbi Salehin flicked a powerful hit towards Sri Lanka post, utilising a pass from skipper Mamunur Rahman Chayan to put Bangladesh ahead (2-1).
But in the next minute, Lahiru Gihan Weerosooriya made the equaliser for Sri Lanka from a penalty stroke (2-2) that led the match towards the tie-breaking session.
In the 34th minute of the match, Chayan's drag bounced back from the cross post.
Earlier in the first semifinal, Oman routed Singapore 4-0 goals. Ace Forward Rajab Basim Khatar scored three goals in the 26th, 58th and 70th minutes, all from penalty corners while Al Nohi Younis Ghabish scored the remaining goal in the 67th minute.
In the day's classification matches, Chinese Taipei and Iran registered victories beating their rivals at the same venue on Saturday.
Chinese Taipei overpowered Hong Kong China by 6-2 goals to qualify for the to qualify for the Asian Games Hockey after leading the first half 2-0 while Iran also stayed in the Asian Games Hockey race crushed Qatar 7-1 goals.