The Bangladesh team will be hunting for their first point in the Hero Asia Cup Hockey 2017 when they take on Japan in their last Pool A match at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium Sunday at 3pm.
Having already conceded woeful defeats by the same margin of 7-0 against former champions India and Pakistan in their first two games, Bangladesh have no chance of making it to the Super Four but a point could give Russel Mahmud Jimmy and Co confidence ahead of the key battles in the qualification stage.
Japan managed a surprising 2-2 draw against Pakistan, leaving them with hope of remaining in the race for the Super Four. They only need a big win against the host and a Pakistan defeat against India.
Bangladesh coach Mahbub Harun informed that his captain Jimmy and Korshedur Rahman suffered injury during the game against India and hoped for a quick recovery ahead of Sunday's game.
Harun also said, “If our boys are not mentally upto the mark they will have to suffer the same fate against Japan. I tried to motivate them and hope they will not repeat the previous results and perform better.
"We want to return to the track. Japan are a good team but I hope players would play following our instruction and if they do that, then we have a chance of returning with a good result. We hope to get full points."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh beat Japan 2-1 in a practice match before the tournament.
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