An inspired Indonesia team put up a fighting performance against Bangladesh in their 5th to 8th placing play-off match here in the Hero Asia Cup 2022 at the GBK Sports Arena today. Though they lost 2-4 against Bangladesh, they earned the respect of the local supporters with their strong performance.
Their goalkeeper Fajar Alam came up with some incredible saves to ensure the scoreline didn’t increase for Bangladesh who got off to a fine start with their post experienced player Mahmud Rashel scoring the first goal for the team. Rashel, a.k.a Jimmy as he is popularly known, scored a splendid field goal in the 13th minute.
In the next quarter, Indonesia surprised the Bangaldesh defence as they struck a fine field goal in the 20th minute through Abdullah Al Akbar. But they gave away a PC in the same minue it was well-converted by Islam Ashraful while Deen Emon Md doubled the lead for Bangladesh to 3-1 with his 24th minute field goal.
After the half-time break, Indonesia looked inspired to bounce back and ended up scoring a goal in the 36th minute through a PC while their keeper impressed with some brilliant save. Pushkar Kisa then ended the proceedings for Bangladesh with a goal in the 59th minute taking their total to 4-2.
Post-match, Asian Hockey Federation presented Rashel with a merit of recognition on being the only player to have played in six consecutive Asia Cup tournaments since 2003 to 2022. An elated Rashel said, “It has been a very memorable journey for me. It is a proud moment to have represented my country in six Asia Cup tournaments and I thank AHF for all their support.”
Hero Player of The Match was presented to Fajar Alam of Indonesia.
