Hosts thrash Oman to become champions

Bangladesh players celebrate their triumph in the Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers after beating Oman in the final at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Photo: STAR

Bangladesh regained the title of the Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers with a massive 6-1 win over Oman in the final at the Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Strikers Puskhor Kisha Mimo and Hasan Jubair Niloy struck two goals each while Mamunur Rahman Chayan and Sheikh Mohammad Nannu netted one goal each for Bangladesh. Rajab Basim Khatar scored the consolation goal for last edition's champions Oman.
The Qualifiers was virtually a stage for Bangladesh to rebuild the national team following the suspension of four key players--Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, Zahid Hossain, Imran Hasan Pintoo and Qumruzzaman Rana--as well as establishing their supremacy among the second-tier Asian teams, the hosts team did not mistake to avail opportunities with both hands on home ground.
The boys though could hardly win the hearts of the spectators with their performance in the previous matches but they proved their worth in the final match against a side they suffered a 2-4 defeat in the Asia Cup.
From the outset of the final, Bangladesh got off to a brilliant start and went ahead in the 13th minute converting the first penalty corner by captain Chayan, who was also brilliant in defense making three goalline save while goalkeeper Ashim Goph also foiled three penalty corners of Oman.
Oman put pressure for the equaliser and levelled the margin with a combined move in the 24th minute as Rajab set by Al Balushi Ahmeed beat Bangladesh goalkeeper Ashim Goph with a fierce hit inside the box.
Oman kept the momentum to snatch their first penalty corner which was ultimately thwarted by Chayan and it initiated a counter-attack with Nannu running down the left to push for Niloy, who sent the ball home with a spectacular driving push to retain the lead on the half-hour mark.
After resumption, Bangladesh players were under tremendous pressure and were seemingly confined to the 25-yard but they succeeded every time they counter attack with out-of-form Mimo finding himself in right place.
Having snatched the ball from an Oman defender, Mimo ran past one defender to increase the lead to 3-1 with a deflection in the 45th minute and then set Niloy for the fourth goal in the 65th minute and widened the margin to 5-1 with a solo effort one minute from time.
Nannu being set by Sarwar Hossain ensured the big win over Oman after scoring in the 70th minute to put the spectators into raptures.
“I want to congratulate all players, officials and media person and dedicate the trophy to the nation,” said Bangladesh's Pakistani coach Naveed Alam adding that the boys played accordingly and they did everything that they wanted.
“After the loss against Oman in Asia Cup, a lot of talk took place and we were determined to beat them and we finally did it,” said Mimo, who played his best and was adjudged man of the final.
 “Today Bangladesh played their best match with fast counter attacks and perfection, even they did less mistake,” said Oman's German coach Oliver Kartz.
“Failing to convert the goals from eight penalty corners let us down.”