Bangladesh suffered a 3-2 defeat to China in their opening match of the Junior Asia Cup after twice taking the lead but failing to protect their advantage. The Bangladesh U-20 men’s hockey team started strongly at the Moki Training Ground in China, with Shimul Islam putting them ahead in the 12th minute with a field goal.
China responded quickly, however, drawing level seven minutes later. Wang Yubo converted a penalty corner in the 19th minute to send the teams into the first break level. Bangladesh regained control in the second quarter when Mehedi Hasan found the net with a field goal in the 26th minute, restoring their one-goal advantage.
The lead lasted until the third quarter, when a defensive lapse allowed China back into the contest. Qiu Wenshuan converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute to make it 2-2. Bangladesh pushed for the winning goal in the final quarter and created several opportunities but could not find the finish they needed.
China eventually turned the match around in the 53rd minute. Sun Jingran scored from open play to put the hosts ahead for the first time, and Bangladesh was unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh needing a response in their next Group B fixture against Malaysia on Sunday. This is Bangladesh’s ninth appearance at the Junior Asia Cup. Their best result in the tournament came in 1996, when they reached the semi-finals.
India are the defending champions of the men’s Junior Asia Cup. The 10-team tournament is divided into two groups, with India in Group A and Bangladesh drawn in Group B alongside Pakistan, China, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. Bangladesh will now have to regroup quickly ahead of their meeting with Malaysia as they look to revive their campaign after a frustrating opening defeat.
