India edge Bangladesh with last-minute strike to lift U-18 Asia Cup title

Dhaka: Abhishek Yadav’s last minute goal gave India a 5-4 victory in the final of the under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament against hosts Bangladesh on Friday. India scored in the last 20 seconds to outplay Bangladesh in the summit clash. India started off the proceedings on a good note and rotated the ball patiently between themselves as they searched for an opening. They did not commit forward in numbers, instead building up play carefully, before penetrating the circle. [caption id=“attachment_3027406” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] India scored in the last 20 seconds to outplay Bangladesh in the summit clash. Image courtesy: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia[/caption] The approach paid off as they won their first penalty in the sixth minute. After an initial error, India recovered and improvised to take a shot on goal, but the attempt ran wide. The match dropped into a predictable rhythm, with India holding the possession while Bangladesh waited for the counter. From a counter, Bangladesh won a penalty corner, and after the initial save by Pankaj Kumar Rajak, M Roman Sarkar scored to give the hosts the lead. India then equalised as Shivam Anand picked up a pass on the edge of the circle and cut back in, running past two Bangladesh defenders to execute a perfect reverse flick into the net. India had another penalty corner in the final minute of play, but another error denied them a goal. From a counter Bangladesh ran through the midfield, before a cross from the left found Mohammad Mohsin who deflected the ball to give Bangladesh the lead. India scored after half time to level the scores, via Hardik Singh’s penalty corner, before Dilpreet Singh scored to give them the lead. In a topsy-turvy match, Bangladesh equalised with Mohammed Ashraful Islam in the 60th minute. With the scores tied and the threat of a shootout looming, Ibungo Singh Konjengbam fired India back in front. The hosts were not to be denied though, Mahabub Hossain levelling the score after a quick counter in the 64th minute. However, a quick counter saw Abhishek in the box and his deflection, with seconds left to the hooter, took India to the title.