Bahrain have stunned 10-man Australia 1-0 this afternoon in their opening match of the third round of Asian qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
An own goal in the 89th minute by defender Harry Souttar, off an attempt to cross by Bahrain’s Abdulla Al Khalasi, was enough to separate the two sides in the hugely physical encounter, played at Robina Stadium in the Gold Coast of eastern Australia.
The hosts had a majority of the chances but had to play the final quarter-hour a man down. Forward Kusini Yengi was given his marching orders following a reckless challenge where he inadvertently caught Bahrain’s Sayed Mahdi Baqer on the neck with a high boot.
That set the stage for the dramatic finish, as Bahrain came away with the crucial three points and their first-ever victory against Australia at the senior men's level of international football.
The Bahrainis are back in action at home on Tuesday next week when they host Japan, while the Australians take on Indonesia in Jakarta that same evening.
More details in tomorrow’s GDN and online.
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