Oman proved to be Bangladesh’s nemesis once again as the gulf nation handed out a 2-0 shootout defeat in the quarterfinals of the Hockey World League Round 2 at Sangkeng Stadium in Singapore yesterday. The last-eight tie was settled in shootouts after the score was level at 3-3 following the conclusion of stipulated time.
The loss can be attributed to the lethargic performance displayed by the attackers, who spurned four shootout attempts. Russel Mahmud Jimmy, Hasan Jubair Niloy, Romman Sarkar and Sarwar Hossain all failed to guide the ball past Oman goalkeeper Fahad al Noufali.
Oman’s Khalid al Shaaibi and Muhanna Al Hasani on the other hand scored past Bangladesh net-minder Ashim Gope in the shootout to ensure a semifinal berth for the former.
In recent times, this is the third occasion Bangladesh have lost to Oman. Prior to yesterday, Bangladesh suffered identical 4-2 defeats in the Asian Cup in August and Asian Games in September.
However, it was Bangladesh who drew first blood. Farhad Shetul put Bangladesh ahead in the fourth minute from a penalty corner, a relief given the fact that the men in Red and Green wasted as many as six penalty corners in their previous game against Poland. But, Oman equalised just eight minutes later through Mohammed Jandal.
Saad Juman Anwar soon gave Oman the lead in the 28th minute. Bangladesh though restored parity in the 30th minute through Pushkor Khisa Mimo.
In a see-saw game, Bangladesh again took the lead in the 49th minute courtesy Niloy. Oman though denied Bangladesh a famous win when Muhanna al Hasani equalised with just three minutes to the final whistle.
One factor that worked against Bangladesh’s favour was the absence of three players – Shetul, Niloy and Sarwar – at crucial junctures of the game. Shetul and Niloy were out of the field for five minutes while Sarwar was absent for 10 minutes owing to their two and three yellow cards respectively.
In the 5th-6th place decider today, Bangladesh will face hosts Singapore.
A loss will pit Bangladesh in the 7th-8th place decider.
