Bahrain defeat Syria in international friendly match

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain outclassed Syria 3-1 last night in an international friendly match played at the National Stadium in Riffa. The tune-up was part of both teams’ preparations for their upcoming games this year, which include their joint-qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Isameel Abdullatif had a first-half brace for the Helio Sousa-coached home team, while Mohammed Marhoon applied the final nail in the coffin with Bahrain’s third.

Abdullatif first scored on a penalty in the 19th minute after Mohammed Marhoon was taken down in the area by Syrian defender Mohamed Faris Alarnaout.

Abdullatif made no mistake with his spot-kick, sending the ball straight into the right of the goal. Syrian forward Mohammed Osman was then able to equalise for the visitors in the 31st minute, also on a penalty, but just five minutes later Abdullatif gave the Bahrainis back the lead on a fine counterattack set up by Komail Alaswad and Marhoon.

Alaswad played a brilliant through pass to a charging Marhoon on the left-wing, and he was able to find a sprinting and unmarked Abdullatif with a cross.

Marhoon then got himself on the scoresheet when he made it 3-1 in the 67th minute.

He had a fine solo run from the right flank and was able to score from close range, sending a low effort past Syrian goalkeeper Taha Mousa. Yesterday’s contest was the first of two international friendlies this week for the nationals.

They are also set to face off with their counterparts from Jordan on Tuesday next week.