U23 Bahrainis set for must-win qualifier

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s under-23 Olympic football team face a massive task tonight in their bid to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024.

The Bahrainis play their final qualifier this evening against Group D favourites Japan and must win to have any chance of booking their tickets to next year’s continental showcase.

The match is scheduled for a 6.30pm kick-off at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium at Muharraq Club in Arad. Bahrain need to finish as group winners or be one of the four best second-placed squads from all 11 of the qualifying groups.

They head into tonight’s clash currently third on the Group D table, having lost their first game against Palestine but then winning their following fixture against Pakistan.

The Japanese have triumphed in both their games thus far and are in first place with a full six points, while Palestine are also on three points but are in second on the standings having defeated Bahrain.

All three teams are battling for a spot in the tournament proper, while Pakistan are out of contention.

There are 11 qualifying groups in all for next year’s AFC U23 Asian Cup, to be held in Doha.

Group A is taking place in Amman with hosts Jordan, Syria, Oman and Brunei.

Group B pits 2020 champions and group hosts South Korea with Myanmar, Kyrgyz Republic and Qatar, with Qatar’s qualifiers considered as friendlies.

Group C features hosts Vietnam, Singapore, Yemen, and Guam; while in Group E are 2018 champions and group hosts Uzbekistan, Iran, Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

In Group F are 2013 winners Iraq, hosts Kuwait, Timor-Leste and Macau; in Group G are the UAE, India, Maldives and group hosts China; while Group H features group hosts Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Group I consists of Australia, group hosts Tajikistan, Laos and North Korea; Group J is composed of AFC U23 Asian Cup defending champions and hosts Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Lebanon and Mongolia; and Group K comprises just three teams including Turkmenistan, group hosts Indonesia and Chinese Taipei.