Bangladesh fail to qualify for Asia Cup hockey for first time

Bangladesh have failed to qualify for the Asia Cup hockey tournament for the first time following a 5-4 defeat against Oman in the semifinals of the AHF Cup – a second-tier continental competition which serves as a qualifying platform– in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday.

The men in red and green, who came into the semifinals with an all-win record in the group stage despite often not being very convincing, paid the price for a poor defensive display against the high-pressing and speedy Omani forwards.

Bangladesh had come to Jakarta without playing any practice match and playing a competitive fixture for the first time since the Asian Games in September, 2023 while Oman had just hosted a tournament at home prior to this important campaign. The lack of preparation was evident in Bangladesh's performance all through the tournament.

The four-time defending champions Bangladesh had taken a 2-1 lead in the second quarter after conceding an eighth-minute lead but three goals in the span of five minutes all but sent Mamunur Rashid's charges out of the contest.

Bangladesh made it 4-3 in the third quarter but another goal from Oman restored their two goal cushion. A penalty stroke in the final quarter gave Bangladesh some hope but Oman, who have proved to be the closest competitor in this competition, held on for a place in the final as well as the Asia Cup, which will be held in India later this year.

Oman and Chinese Taipei will play in the final while Bangladesh will play against Kazakhstan in the third-fourth place-decider on Sunday.