Pakistan opened their campaigned in the 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup on a defensive mode before turning the game around to clip Bangladesh 3-1 at the Wisma Belia Stadium.
The three-time champions, bidding to change their fortunes after a disappointing performance in recent weeks in international matches, were kept at bay by a fortified Bangladesh defence led by goalkeeper Asim Gope and defenders Ashraful Islam and Farhad Shetul much of the first 15 minutes.
They were a side that was determined to take the game to the Pakistanis and their small band of supporters just liked what they saw.
Pakistan earned two penalty corners in the first half but it was only until the 29th minute that penalty corner specialist Mubashar Ali broke the duck with a well executed shot to give Pakistan the lead.
However, Bangladesh found the equaliser three minutes later via a field goal through Sabbir Hossain much to the delight of their fans which turned the game into further excitement.
The second half was dominated by the Pakistanis, claiming three penalty corners against the run of play after the breather and once again goalkeeper Asim was simply in his element to deny the hard-working Pakistan forwards – Muhammad Dilber, Muhammad Atiq and Mohammad Bilal Qadir who was aptly named Man of the Match.
Pakistan, however, made the final push and was well rewarded in the 39th minute with a field goal from Mohamed Bilal to go 3-1 up for a great start to their campaign here.
For all their efforts in stopping Pakistan, the Bangladeshis tried as they could and earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 48th minute but to no avail as Farhad was stopped in his tracks.
Pakistan team manager, Brig Khalid Farani, said: “It was a brilliant start from the players and I must credit Bangladesh for putting up a creditable performance. It was hot and it took the players from both sides some time to settle down. We could see it from the first half, neither teams were going all out to expose their brand of game.”
“We have several youngsters in the team and they will eventually get the grip in our remaining two matches against Korea and Oman,” he said.
Bangladesh team manager Mohammad Rafiqul Islam commended his players for taking the game to the powerful Pakistanis and hopes his team will have better luck in coming games.
“We are very happy with the performance from the boys. They played well and were not under pressure at all. This is the kind of game I am looking from the team,” said Mohammad Rafiqul.