BD U-20 women lose to Japan in qtr-final

Bangladesh Under-20 Women’s Hockey team lost to Japan Under-20 Women’s Hockey team in the quarter-final of the Junior Asia Cup (Women’s) Under-20 Hockey Competition at Moqi Training Ground in China on Thursday

The Bangladesh women suffered a 2-0 defeat to Japan women in a hard-fought match.

Bangladesh had advanced to the knockout stage with confidence after finishing as unbeaten champions in the group phase (Challenger Pool).

They put up a spirited fight against Japan in the quarter-final as well, but ultimately had to leave the field in defeat after failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

However, Bangladesh’s campaign in the tournament is not over yet. They will take the field for their final placement match tomorrow, facing either Malaysia or South Korea.

A victory in that match would secure fifth place for Bangladesh in the Junior Asia Cup, while a loss would see the team finish in sixth place.

Arif Ali’s team had reached the quarter-finals by dominating the group stage, winning all four of their matches to top the group. However, on Thursday, they could not withstand the challenge posed by a strong Japanese side.

The stronger Japanese team steadily increased the pressure on Bangladesh’s defense as the match progressed. Japan took the lead in the 26th minute of the second quarter through a penalty stroke converted by Hirai Yoshino.

In the third quarter, the Bangladesh women raised hopes of scoring by launching two promising attacks, but neither resulted in a goal.

In the final quarter, instead of equalizing, Bangladesh conceded another goal, Momoka Suzuki sealed Japan’s victory with a field goal in the 47th minute.

Earlier, Bangladesh made a formidable start thrashing Chinese Taipei by seven goals to nil in their first Challenger Pool match at the same venue on September 5.

Bangladesh retained their winning streak defeating Pakistan 5-1 in their second Challenger Pool match at the same venue on September 6.

Bangladesh kept their supremacy crushing Kazakhstan by four goals to nil in their third Challenger Pool match at the same venue on September 8.

Bangladesh finished their Challenger Pool match with a happy note smashing Hong Kong, China by six goals to nil at the same venue on September 9.