Bahrainis set for Jordan test in AFC Asian Cup in Doha

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain have an uphill task against Jordan this afternoon in their concluding Group E fixture of the AFC Asian Cup.

The Bahrainis need to win to ensure their place in the knockout stage.

With any other result, they must hope to be one of the four best-ranked third-placed teams from the six pools in the preliminaries.

Bahrain are currently third on the Group E standings with three points following their 1-0 last-gasp victory against Malaysia earlier this week.

That game followed their 1-3 loss to South Korea.

The South Koreans and Jordanians are ahead on the table, with Jordan occupying first place on goal difference.

The Malaysians are bottom with zero points from their two games.

Bahrain’s assignment today is scheduled for a 2.30pm kick-off, Bahrain time, at Khalifa International Stadium. South Korea and Malaysia face off at the same time at Al Janoub Stadium.

Speaking in yesterday’s pregame Press conference, Bahrain’s star midfielder Mohammed Marhoon said that the team is ready to step up to the challenge, especially with their qualification hopes for the next round on the line.

Diligently

“We have diligently prepared for the match against Jordan,” Marhoon was quoted as saying.

“Following our victory against Malaysia, our entire focus has shifted to the upcoming challenge and we are hopeful of securing another win.

“The match against Malaysia was intense as the players were under huge pressure. We maintained a strong belief in our abilities, created numerous chances and exhibited a solid commitment to winning.

Fortunately, we rose to the occasion and successfully achieved our goal.” Marhoon added that they will be fighting until the very last whistle to come away with crucial points.

“Jordan pose a formidable challenge, boasting a team of strong and skilled players; we recognise that any team, including ours, must persevere until the final minute to secure a victory,” he said. Meanwhile, Jordanian forward Ali Olwan said his side are keen on finishing the group stage with an undefeated record, having trounced Malaysia 4-0 and then drawing with South Korea 2-2. “The match against Bahrain is as important as the two earlier matches,” said Olwan.

“We look forward to winning and showing a good performance. “The Bahrain national team are a formidable side. We consider them on an equal basis to Korea Republic. We stay focused and do our best and try to win.”