Oman go down fighting to ‘lucky’ China in Asia Cup
MUSCAT: Despite playing a positive and attacking hockey, Oman failed to clinch the crucial Pool B match going down narrowly to China for their second defeat in the ongoing AHF Asia Cup on Saturday.
According to news posted on the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) website, China overcame a stiff challenge from Oman to win 2-1 at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in Dhaka.
Oman captain Hashim Al Shatri lamented the fact that they let go a realistic chance of winning points in the tournament.
A disappointed Hashim Al Shatri said after the match: “I think this was our best chance to earn winning points but we were really unlucky to miss out on some easy chances.
“Chinese players seemed to slow down in the third and fourth quarter because of the humid weather but sadly, we could not use that to our advantage.”
“We are used to these conditions in Oman. That said, I must point out that our goalkeeper (Fahad) Al Noufali made some really good saves and ensured the goal difference was not too much.”
Impressive hockey
Both teams began the first quarter with attacking hockey. While it was China who drew the first blood with a successful penalty stroke well-executed by Du Talake in the seventh minute, Oman equalised in the eighth minute when Rashad Al Fazari came up with a lethal dragflick to convert a penalty corner. The following minutes saw Oman play impressive hockey with noteworthy skills and good structure. They kept the Chinese at bay with good defence that kept them from making any successful forays into Oman’s circle. Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports