Bahrain qualify for Asian Cup 2023
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain secured their berth in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 yesterday with a 1-0 victory over Turkmenistan in their concluding Group E match of their qualification competition, held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
A first-half penalty from Abdulla Yusuf was enough to propel the Bahrainis to their win, although the nationals had several more chances to score, particularly after the break.
The result gave Bahrain an undefeated record in three matches, claiming the full nine points on their divisional table, where they finished in first place.
That top spot earned them their automatic berth in next year’s continental showcase. Turkmenistan suffered their second loss and finished third in the group, eliminating them from Asian Cup contention. Malaysia booked a second berth from Group E.
They defeated Bangladesh 4-1 in yesterday’s other fixture, earning them second overall on the group table with six points. Bahrain head coach Helio Sousa started yesterday’s match with Sayed Mohammed Jaafar between the posts; Sayed Redha Isa, Amine Benadi, Waleed Al Hayam and Rashed Al Hooti in defence; Abdulwahab Al Malood, Ali Haram and Sayed Dhiya Saeed in a three-man midfield; and Yusuf, Ali Madan and Mohammed Jassim Marhoon in a three-man strike-force.
Bahrain had opportunities from the get-go and should have taken the lead in the 16th minute, but a Marhoon low effort from close range and a rocket from distance by Haram were both saved by Turkmenistan goalkeeper Mammet Orazmuhammedow.
The nationals then took the lead in the 23rd minute when Yusuf converted a penalty. Midfielder Ali Madan was on the receiving end of a fine throughpass from Al Hayam on the right wing, and as he made his way towards goal, was brought down by a hard-charging Orazmuhammedow, who came off his line.
The referee did not hesitate to give the spot kick, which Yusuf stepped forward to take. He coolly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net, giving him a penalty conversion for the second game in a row.
That put the Bahrainis in the lead at the interval. In the second half, the nationals continued to press for a second goal. Marhoon once again had a golden opportunity from close range but was again denied by Orazmuhammedow, and then had a shot from beyond 20 metres tipped over the crossbar.
Towards the end, Jaafar helped the Bahrainis maintain their advantage with a couple of crucial saves, including one on Turkmenistan’s very last possession of the contest. The third and final round of AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualification was scheduled to end last night.
There were 24 teams in all, divided into six groups, each of which was played at a centralised venue. All six group winners plus the five best runners-up earned berths in the Asian Cup.
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