Asian Hockey Games Qualifiers
Bangladesh top group
Bangladesh remained unbeaten in the Asian Hockey Games Qualifiers as they registered their third consecutive victory after going past Iran 3-0 at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium on Thursday. The hosts topped Group B with nine points from three games and are set to face Sri Lanka on Saturday for a berth in the first-place deciding match. Bangladesh initially struggled to find the net at the beginning while Iran created pressure in the early stages of the match. The Red and Green outfit earned three successive penalty corners within six minutes but failed to utilise the opportunities.
Bangladesh skipper Mamunur Rahman Chayan wasted eight penalty corners throughout the game and the hosts paid for it as they went behind against the run of play in the 26th minute.
Iran went ahead with a field goal from Taheridad Navid as Abbasi Reza’s quick hit from the left flank was padded off by Bangladesh goalie Ashim Gope but an unmarked Navid stroked the rebound into the post.
Bangladesh though came back into the game after equalising in the 55th minute by converting their seventh penalty corner as Chayan finally found the goal.
Pushkor Khisa Mimo put Bangladesh ahead just two minutes later as midfielder Rumman Sarker ran down the left flank and cut the ball back to Mimo who placed the ball into the net with a soft push.
Sheikh Mohammad Nannu sealed the 3-1 margin with a terrific reverse-hit in the 70th minute after Mimo delivered an angular pass from midfield.
Iran, who have three points, will play Qatar in the 5th-6th position qualifier on Saturday.
-With New Age input
