Bangladesh roll on; Hong Kong on fire

The men in red and green are now just a step away from qualifying for the semi-finals as Pool A champions

21 Nov
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Hong Kong (21 Nov, 2016): The Bangladesh juggernaut continued in the 5th Men’s Asian Hockey Federation Cup (AHF) at the King’s Park Hockey Stadium in Hong Kong on Monday.

The reigning champions, who won the last two AHF Cup editions four years ago in Thailand and 2008 in Singapore, humbled Chinese Taipei 4-2 to register their second win in the tournament.

Bangladesh began its defence of the AHF Cup with a comfortable 4-2 victory over hosts Hong Kong in Pool A last Saturday.

Seeking a third consecutive title here, Roman Sarkar started the goal rush as early as the sixth minute with a field goal and 18-year-old drag-flick specialist Ashraful Islam converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute.

The far experienced forward Russel Mahmud Jimmy, who was handed the captaincy for the first time since 2012, extended the lead five minutes later from a well organised field goal set piece.

Undaunted by the setback, Chinese Taipei produced some scintillating performance in the second half to score two goals within a space of seven minutes to rattle the defending champions. Lu Sung-Ting made it 3-1 in the 41st minute and Tseng Hsien-Yi was spot on in a penalty stroke six minutes later.

However, the ever reliable Mamunur Rahman Chayan, who missed out from the last national squad selection due to poor form, scored for Bangladesh in the 56th minute from a penalty corner to seal victory.

The men in red and green are now just a step away from qualifying for the semi-finals as Pool A champions. They will take on bottom-side Macau in their last group match on Wednesday and a draw would be sufficient to secure top spot in the group.

Hong Kong also clawed back from the agonising 2-4 opening match defeat against Bangladesh to down Macau 5-1 today. The hosts led 3-0 at the interval.

Tsang Kin Kan scored a brace in the 19th and 30th minutes respectively while Chan Ka Chin (8th), Iu Felix (52nd) and Chow Ho Yin (60th) added to Macau’s misery. Wong Chong Nam scored Macau’s only goal.

Bangladesh lead Group A with six points – three clear of Hong Kong and third-placed Chinese Taipei.

Singapore and Thailand return to the King’s Park Stadium on Tuesday in Pool B matches. The Singaporeans face Sri Lanka while Thailand goes up against Uzbekistan.

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TPE v BAN #AHFcup #AsiaHockey
TPE v BAN #AHFcup #AsiaHockey
TPE v BAN #AHFcup #AsiaHockey
TPE v BAN #AHFcup #AsiaHockey
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