In a bid to make their room among top six to qualify in the Junior World Cup Hockey, Bangladesh strongly remain in the race after coming from a goal down to force strong Malaysian side to a 2-2 draw.
After the draw in their third Pool B match of Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament at the Al Amerat Hockey Stadium in Muscat on Saturday, Bangladesh hugely boosted up.
Bangladesh, who started the tournament with a 3-1 win against Oman to make a convincing start before suffering a 6-0 drubbing by Pakistan in the second match, put on a spirited display to hold a stronger sides Malaysia to a draw.
Bangladesh managed first draw against Malaysia in the history of the competition, following thier 8-0 defeat in 2015 and a 5-1 defeat last year.
Thanks to Bangladesh goalkeeper Noyon, who made some stunning saves throughout the match Bangaldesh mnaged the draw. For his outstanding perofrmances under the post, Noyon adjudged as the player of the match.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh made a poor start when they conceded a goal in the very second minute with Malaysian forward Danish Danial scoring the goal from open play.
Malaysia, though dominated the opening quarter but could not extend their lead when Bangladesh had the opportunity to euqlise in the second quarter. Bangladesg could have the equalizer when they won a penalty stroke in the 26th minute. But Forward Rafizul Hasan's effort blocked by the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Rafizul, however, made amends in the same minute with a brilliant piece of stick work as he dribbled past three of his markers and earned a penalty corner, which skipper Amirul Islam converted with a powerful flick.
Rafizul gave Bangladesh the lead with a beautiful hit in the sixth minute of the third quarter, turning on his feet inside the D box and picking the target with a fierce diagonal hit.
However, Malaysia bounced back strongly into the game with an equaliser in the last minute of the third quarter. Norizam Muhammad levelled the margin for Malaysia with a shot following a penalty corner.
After the draw, Bangladesh's chances to move into semifinal alive as they are now on third position in the five-team table with four points from three matches.
Malaysia lead the pool with seven points from three matches followed by Pakistan on six points from two.
Bangladesh will play their last pool match tomorrow against China, who have three points from as many matches.
