FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN came away with an historic 1-0 victory over 10-man Australia yesterday 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 Australian 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 in the 77th minute 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 in qualifying’s Group C standings.
The result also earned the Bahrainis their first-ever victory against the continental powerhouse Australians at the senior men’s level of international football. The nationals had lost all six of their previous encounters dating back to 2006 heading into yesterday’s clash.
Bahrain are back in action at home on Tuesday next week as they face another top-class opponent in Japan at the National Stadium in Riffa. That game is scheduled for a 7pm kick-off.
The Australians, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back when they take on Indonesia at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium that same day. China host Saudi Arabia at Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium in Tuesday’s other Group C fixture. Both contests are scheduled for 3pm starts, Bahrain time.
The Japanese were big 7-0 winners over their Chinese counterparts yesterday at Saitama Stadium 2002 in the Japanese city of Saitama. Saudi Arabia drew with Indonesia 1-1 last night at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah..
Bahrain were fortunate to come away with the stunning victory as Australia pressed hard for a winner late on. Connor Matcalfe, Jackson Irvine, and second-half substitute Nestory Irankunda all had chances to score after the hour-mark but their shots were coolly collected by Ebrahim Lutfalla.
The nationals had only three shots on goal the entire game with just one on target – a Mohammed Jassim Marhoon effort in the 25th minute from outside the box that was calmly saved by Australia’s Maty Ryan.
Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic selected a starting 11 yesterday that featured Lutfalla between the goalposts; Al Khalasi, Baqer, Amine Benaddi, and Vincent Emmanuel in a formidable defensive line; Marhoon, Abbas Al Asoor, Ali Haram, and Komail Al Aswad in midfield; and Ali Madan and Mahdi Abduljabbar up front.
Hussain Abdulkarim, Ebrahim Al Khattal, Mahdi Humaidan, and Waleed Al Hayyam all came on in the game’s closing stages for the nationals.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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