Bangladesh opened their Men’s U-18 Asia Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Malaysia at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday. Munna Islam scored twice as Bangladesh collected three points from their first match of the tournament.
Bangladesh controlled the key moments of the game through set-pieces. Munna gave his side the lead in the ninth minute when he converted a penalty stroke. Four minutes later, Ismail Islam doubled the advantage from a penalty corner.
Malaysia stayed in the contest despite Bangladesh’s strong start. Yogeswaran Nagulan reduced the deficit from open play in the 30th minute and sent his side into the break with momentum.
Bangladesh responded after halftime and again used a penalty stroke to hurt Malaysia. Munna converted his second goal of the match in the 40th minute to restore a two-goal lead at 3-1.
Malaysia refused to fade away and forced Bangladesh to work for the result. Ariq Aidil Hakimi scored from a penalty in the 50th minute and cut the gap to one goal, creating a tense final phase.
Bangladesh, however, found the decisive response. Joy Islam struck from open play three minutes from time to secure a 4-2 victory.
The result gives Bangladesh a strong start in Japan. Their attack produced four goals, while their penalty corner and penalty stroke routines played a major role in the win. Munna’s two goals and Joy’s late strike ensured Bangladesh began the tournament on a winning note.
