Bahrain vs. China Preview: National Team Squad Announced for Pivotal Group C Clash

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

As the AFC World Cup Qualifying campaign continues, Bahrain prepares to face China at Bahrain National Stadium on November 14 at 5PM. This matchup is pivotal for both teams as they aim to improve their standing in Group C. Bahrain sits fourth in the group with five points, following a solid goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. China, meanwhile, enters from a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Indonesia but remains at the bottom of the group. 

Bahrain's New-Look Squad for November Fixtures

In anticipation of the high-stakes clash, Bahrain has announced a refreshed squad that brings a mix of experience and fresh talent. This selection reflects Bahrain’s ambition to not only secure a win against China but to build momentum as they move forward in their qualification journey.

Here’s the full squad list for Bahrain’s November fixtures:

• Ameen Bughammar
• Abdulla Al-Khalasi
• Waleed Al-Hayam
• Ammar Mohamed
• Sayyed Mohamed Jaffer
• Ebrahim Lutfallah
• Moisa Ndai
• Hussein Abdulkareem
• Jasim Al-Shaikh
• Hamad Shamsan
• Ali Haram
• Ahmed Sharooq
• Ali Madan
• Kamil Al-Aswad
• Ismail Abdulatif
• Sid Ahmed Baqer
• Abbas Al-Afoor
• Ahmed Nabil
• Sayed Madi Baqer
• Abdulwahab Al-Malood
• Finsent Emmanuel
• Mehdi Jumaidan
• Mehdi Abduljabbar
• Sayed Dhiya Saeed
• Mohamed Marhoon
• Ibrahim Al-Khatal
• Sayed Ahmed Waladadi

This squad announcement has sparked excitement among Bahrain fans, who will be looking to see how this group gels on the pitch. Marhoon, known for his set-piece prowess, remains a key player to watch, especially after his recent crucial goals against Indonesia.

Bahrain’s Recent Form

Bahrain’s previous outing against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah displayed a disciplined defensive approach, with the team holding the hosts to a 0-0 draw. In the match prior, they faced Indonesia at home in a 2-2 draw, a game in which Bahrain initially took the lead but needed a last-minute equalizer from Marhoon to salvage a point. With a record of one win, two draws, and one loss, Bahrain’s position in Group C is far from secure, but the team’s resilience has kept them in the running.

China’s Challenge

China, while bottom of the group, comes to Bahrain with renewed determination after a 2-1 win over Indonesia. Their previous game against Australia, a 3-1 loss, exposed defensive issues that they’ll be looking to address. Despite their struggles, China remains a resilient side and will aim to play aggressively, knowing they need every point they can get.

Current Group C Standings

• Japan - 10 points
• Australia - 5 points
• Saudi Arabia - 5 points
• Bahrain - 5 points
• Indonesia - 3 points
• China - 3 points

What This Match Means for Both Teams

For Bahrain, a win against China could elevate them within the standings, especially with tougher fixtures ahead. China, on the other hand, faces a must-win scenario to keep their campaign alive, making this an all-or-nothing encounter.

With a revamped squad and home advantage, Bahrain is looking to make a statement and take a crucial step forward in their World Cup qualification journey.