Coming from a goal behind, Bangladesh national U-21 hockey team defeated Uzbekistan by 6-1 goals to become the toppers in the last match of the four-team Group B in ongoing 8-nation Men’s Junior AHF Cup 2023 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Hockey Stadium in Muscat, Oman on Monday.

Forward Abdusalom Madaminov took an early lead for Uzbekistan from the penalty corner in the 17th minute (0-1), but defender Amirul Islam put Bangladesh on the track scoring two goals from PCs within a span of 3-minute (25th to 27th minute) (2-1).

Earlier, both Bangladesh and Uzbekistan confirmed their places in the semifinals after having two back-to-back wins. They also confirmed places in the upcoming Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, a qualifier round for the next Men’s Junior World Cup 2023.

In the day’s other match of Group B, Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong by 5-3 goals at the same venue. Bangladesh bagged 9 points, Uzbekistan 6 points, Sri Lanka 3 points while all-losers Hong Kong failed to earn any point.

Bangladesh will play against Group A runners-up while Uzbekistan will face Group B champions in the semifinals on Wednesday, both at the same venue.

In the Group A, the hosts Oman were leading the points table with 6 points while Thailand were in the second spot with 4 points. Chinese Taipei were third with 2 points and Indonesia fourth with one point.

Chinese Taipei and Thailand played a 1-1 draw in the day’s first match of Group A. The second match between Oman and Indonesia yet to be held until this report was written.