FOOTBALL – Bahrain's youth football national team kick off their campaign today in qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025.
The Bahrainis are in Group C of the qualifiers, which is being hosted by China. Both teams are alongside South Korea, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
The nationals take on the home side today in their opening assignment, scheduled to take place at Dalian Puwan Stadium with a 2.35pm kick-off, Bahrain time.
The Bahrainis’ next game will be on Monday next week against the Maldives at 10.30am, and they then face the South Koreans on Friday at 2.35pm. They wrap up their qualifying campaign against Bhutan next Sunday at 10.30am. All times are Bahrain.
Speaking ahead of their game today, Bahrain head coach Bader Khalil said that the team has made the most of their preparations for the competition and are ready to get going.
“We have had an external camp here in China ahead of these qualifiers,” Khalil said during his pre-game Press conference yesterday.
“During our camp, we played several friendly matches that were an important part of our preparations.
“We look forward to achieving positive results. The team’s chances are there and the competition is open to qualify for the U17 Asian Cup next year in Saudi Arabia.”
Bahrain are one of 43 national teams vying for 15 available spots in the qualifiers.
There are 10 groups in all, each of which is being played at a different host country. Group A is being held in Jordan, Group B in Cambodia, Group D in Thailand, Group E in Chinese Taipei, Group F in Qatar, Group G in Kuwait, Group H in Laos, Group I in Vietnam, and Group J in Singapore.
At the end of a single round, the group winners and five best second-placers will earn a place in the tournament proper, along with hosts Saudi.
The AFC U17 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place April 3 to 20 next year.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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