Bahrain play Nepal tonight in Group H in the country’s ongoing quest to reach the FIFA World Cup Finals for the first time.
The Asian Qualifiers fixture takes place at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa and fans are urged to get behind the team.
Bahrain currently have a three points tally from two games after defeating Yemen 2-0 in and losing to the UAE 2-0. The Emiratis currently sit on top the group.
Nepal in last place have lost 4-0 to the UAE and 2-0 to Yemen before facing Bahrain.
The Nationals are looking to experience to help pick up maximum points tonight. Bahraini veteran Ismail Abdullatif is back in Bahrain’s roster after a long period of absence.
In a press conference held last night, Bahrain’s newly-appointed Croatian coach Dragan Talajic and Abdullatif spoke to the media and expressed their readiness for the task ahead.
“We are here to continue the journey and it it’s time to harvest all the hard work done by everyone,’’ said Talajic. “Abdullatif will be a great addition to the team, he is a top tier player and he will add a lot of quality for our attack.”
The 37-year-old Al Khalidiya striker Abdullatif spoke about how delighted he was to be part of Bahrain’s campaign to reach the World Cup Finals 2026.
“I am using my long playing experience to help the coach and inspire the young players. Now we need the fans to support us as their vocal backing will play a vital role.’’
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals will be held in US and Mexico. Eight direct slots are open to sides from Asia, plus one spot for the winner of an inter-confederation play-off game.
The top two teams in the qualifiers will automatically participate in the Saudi Arabia 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the bottom two will join the qualifiers for the Asian continental tournament.
Bahrain will face Nepal again next Tuesday at home again because Nepal’s damaged international venue, the Dasharath Stadium, cannot host the match tonight.
Bahrain will play Yemen June 6 at the Bahrain National Stadium before travelling to the UAE in the last round of the group on June 11.
• The match starts at 10pm tonight.
hadiahmed@gdnmedia.bh