Bangladesh were eliminated from the 10-nation Men’s Junior (U-21) Asia Cup Hockey in the group stage losing to strong South Korea by 1-3 goals in their last Group B match held at the Salalah Sports Complex in Oman on Sunday night, reports UNB.
After conceding three goals in a row within the 54th minute, Hasan scored the lone goal for Bangladesh in the 58th minute.
After the day's match, Bangladesh finished 3rd to miss the semifinal berth from the five- team Group B securing six points from all three group encounters.
Malaysia and South Korea reached the semifinal from group B securing nine points each playing three and four matches respectively.
Earlier, Bangladesh made a good start in the 10th edition of the Junior Asia Cup, shocking hosts Oman by 2-0 goals in first match, but they went down in the race after suffering a huge 1-5:goals defeat against Malaysia in the 2nd match last Thursday.
However, Bangladesh keep their semifinal hope alive defeating Uzbekistan by 3-1 goals in their 3rd match last Friday, but their sweet dream of reaching the semifinal was shattered after the day's defeat.
Earlier, Bangladesh have been placed in Group B with Malaysia, South Korea, hosts Oman and Uzbekistan while Group A team comprises India, Pakistan, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
Top three teams of the ongoing tournament, apart from Malaysia, which is already qualified as the host, will qualify for the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
