FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN’S youth football national team suffered a 0-2 defeat to hosts China yesterday in the opening Group C fixture of their qualifying campaign for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025.
The Bahrainis got off to a worrying start after conceding in only the second minute of the game to opposing defender Jiang Zhiqin. That was enough to give the home team the lead heading into the break.
The Chinese then doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a goal from midfielder Bian Yulang. Neither side could find the net the rest of the way and the nationals had to settle for their disappointing start in the competition.
Bahrain and China are joined in Group C by South Korea, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
Yesterday’s other divisional clash was a 2-2 stalemate between Bhutan and the Maldives.
The Bahrainis return to action tomorrow against the Maldives at 10.30am. They then face the South Koreans on Friday at 2.35pm, before wrapping up their qualifying bid against Bhutan next Sunday at 10.30am. All times are Bahrain.
Bahrain are one of 43 national teams vying for 15 available spots in the qualifiers. The field has been divided into 10 groups, 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 host nation Saudi Arabia.
The AFC U17 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place April 3 to 20 next year.
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