Jakarta: Bangladesh edged Oman 2-1 in a closely contested Group B match at the GBK Hockey Stadium in Jakarta.
It was a crucial match for both teams as they have heavyweights Malaysia and Pakistan in their group as well. A win for either side would give them a boost to fight for a place in the semis, while a defeat would have ruled them out early.
“It was a good win and we made use of our chances and that was what counts in tight games,” said Bangladesh coach K. Gobinathan. “This win will give the team tremendous boost for our upcoming matches”.
Bangladesh forced two early penalty corners in the 4th and 6th minutes but failed to execute them well. Oman, after that let off, started stringing passes together and tested the Bangladesh defense a couple of times.
However, Bangladesh weathered the storm and opened the scoring with Mohammad Arshad Hussain getting the final touch in the 14th minute to give his team the lead in the first quarter.
Aammaar Juma Salim Al Shaaibi put Oman on level terms by converting their first penalty corner in the 23rd minute.
Undeterred Bangladesh hit back as they made full use of their fourth penalty corner with Mohd Ashraful Islam scorning in the 27th minute.to give Bangladesh a 2-1 lead at the end of the half.
Oman strode up the gear to force two penalty corners in the first part of the third quarter but both attempts were off target.
Bangladesh managed to stave off late Omani pressure to notch all three points.
“We did not play up to expectations and thus paid the price for poor defending,” said Oman coach Tahir Zaman.
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