Bangladesh suffered a 6-4 goals defeat to strong Japan in the first semifinal of Men’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey held at Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre in China today (Friday). BSS

Despite taking 2-0 lead in the first quarter, Bangladesh could not keep their tempo and eventually surrendered to Japan helplessly.

Din Islam and Ismail Hossen scored first two goals in the second and 12th minute but Japan fought back strongly in the match to restore the parity scoring two goals in the 18th and 28th minute.Captain Md Abdullah again put Bangladesh ahead in the 30th minute but in the

third quarter Japan neutralized the margin in the 46th minute.

In the fourth quarter, Amit Hasan scored the fourth goal for Bangladesh in the 47th minute to make the score line 4-3 while Japan sealed their victory scoring the remaining three goals in the 51st, 57th and 60th minutes of the match.

Bangladesh will now play 3rd/4th place deciding match scheduled to be held on Sunday (July 13).

Earlier, Bangladesh Men’s Hockey team finished Pool A runners up to qualify for the semi-finals securing nine points from four matches with three wins and one defeat after beating hosts China by 5-2 goals, Hong Kong China by 3-0 goals, crushing Sri Lanka by 13-0 goals and conceded 3-6 goals defeat against favorite Pakistan.