MUSCAT, SEPT 1
Hosts Oman upstaged Bangladesh 5-3 in a crucial cross-over match to book a first-ever semifinal spot in Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup in Salalah on Friday night.
Oman will take on Pakistan in the first semifinal on Saturday.
At the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex, star player Rashad al Fazari put Oman in front in the fourth minute with a Challenge goal.
Khalid al Shaibi increased the lead in the 10th minute with a field goal.
Sawon Sarowar hit one back for Bangladesh one minute before the break to make it 2-1 at the half-time.
In the second-half, Oman pushed further as Salah al Saadi made it 3-1 in the 21st minute. Mohammed Uddin reduced the deficit for Bangladesh after two minutes.
Fahad al Lawati netted Oman’s fourth goal as they led 4-2 in the 24th minute. Mohammed Uddin again threatened the Oman goal with a good strike in the 26th minute to make it 4-3.
However, Rashad al Fazari sealed the triumph with a stunning strike in the 30th minute to seal the last-four spot with a 5-3 scoreline.
Earlier, Oman edged Challenge group second-placed Kazakhstan 1-0 in their first cross-over match to set-up the match against Bangladesh.
Rashad al Fazari netted the all-important goal for the hosts in the 14th minute.
IRAN WIN
In another cross-over match, Challenger group toppers Iran thrashed Elite group team Japan 10-1 to book their second cross-over match against Malaysia. Iran led 5-0 at half-time.
Captain Navid Taherirad netted three goals for Iran (4, 5-c, 21st minutes) while Aref Hamidi (1-c, 30), Mohammadali Salehipour (11-c, 27 ) and Zabihollah Rahchamani (23, 25) all scored two goals each.
Mohammed Reza Saadat was also on target among Iran’s 10 goals.
Ryusuke Kinutani netted the lone goal for Japan in the 29th minute.
Meanwhile, Indonesia are well on course for a ninth-place finish in the tournament as they hammered Afghanistan 15-2 and later thrashed Hong Kong 8-0 in the placement matches for 9-11 positions.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
