Bahrain U17s stumble against South Korea

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: hussainm@newsobahrain.com

Bahrain’s U17 side faced a tough defeat against South Korea in a crucial AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifier yesterday, losing 2-0 in a match that saw the Bahrainis battling both a strong opponent and the pressure of the qualification stage.

Coming off a narrow 1-0 win over the Maldives and an opening loss to China, Bahrain knew their qualifying campaign was hanging in the balance as they took the pitch at Dalian Football Youth Training Centre in Dalian, China.

Head coach Badr Khalil’s side needed at least a point to keep control of their qualifying destiny before their final match against Bhutan on Sunday. Yet, despite their efforts, the South Korean team proved a daunting barrier to their progress.

Missed Opportunity

The opening minutes set a tense tone, with both teams probing cautiously, aware of what was at stake. Bahrain showed sparks of cohesion in midfield, stringing together several well-timed passes. But as the half wore on, South Korea began to edge the contest, pressing high and disrupting Bahrain’s rhythm. Bahrain’s defense held firm for much of the first half, but a critical moment arrived in the 36th minute.

South Korea earned a penalty, and Lee Su-yoon stepped up to convert calmly, putting South Korea 1-0 up and Bahrain on the back foot. Though Bahrain regrouped, the penalty seemed to knock the wind out of their sails, and the half-time whistle left them with a significant mountain to climb.

Struggle to Break Through

Heading into the second half, Bahrain’s midfield tried to seize control, hoping to create opportunities against a disciplined South Korean defense. Coach Khalil’s strategy was clear: press forward and play with urgency. Bahrain’s wingers attempted to stretch the play, but South Korea’s defensive structure left little room for maneuver.

The Bahrainis had their chances, and there were moments where it felt like the equalizer was within reach. Yet, as the minutes ticked down, Bahrain’s fatigue became apparent, and the elusive final pass to unlock South Korea’s defense remained out of reach.

Last-Minute Strike

Just as Bahrain pushed numbers forward in a final bid for a breakthrough, South Korea capitalized on the counterattack.

In the dying minutes of regulation, Lee Ji-ho struck in the 90th minute, sealing the game with a clinical finish that left Bahrain’s defense scrambling.

The 2-0 scoreline felt harsh on a Bahrain side that had fought admirably, but South Korea’s poise and experience ultimately prevailed.

Now with a record of one win and two losses, Bahrain will need both a resounding win over Bhutan and favorable results elsewhere in the group to keep their qualification hopes alive. It’s a tough spot for Coach Khalil’s team, but the Bahrainis still have everything to play for.