BAHRAIN kept their best for last scoring in the final minute to carve out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tajikistan last night in a friendly game at National Stadium in Isa Town.
The match was part of both the teams’ preparations for their upcoming qualifiers of the 2019 Asia Cup to be held in the UAE.
Bahrain will resume their training tomorrow as they prepare to face Singapore at home on Tuesday while Tajikistan travel to Qatar where they face Yemen.
Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup fielded a lineup consisting of Sayed Mohammed Jaffar in goal. Abu Bakr Adam, Waleed Al Hayam, Ahmed Ali and Hesham Al Naim led the defensive line.
The midfield consisted of Ali Madan, Kameel Al Aswad, Sayed Dheya, and Ali Habib with Abdulla Hilal and Mohammed Al Rumaihi as strikers.
Tajikstan’s Fuzayov Khakim played with Abduaziz Mahkamov in goal while his defence consisted of Davronzhon Ergashev, Siyovush Asrorov, Iskanar Dzhalilov, and Akhtam Nazarov.
Jahongir Aliev, Amirbek Juraboev, Fatkhullo Fatkhulloev, Umedzhon Sharipov and Parvizdzhon played in midfield, while Manuchekr Jalilov played as a lone striker.
Jalilov opened the scoring in the third minute for Tajikstan as Bahrain’s defenders were helpless in controlling the ball under heavy rain.
Threat
Bahrain’s first real threat on goal came in the 20th minute when Al Rumaihi missed a one-on-one chance.
His effort was easily blocked by Tajikistan goalkeeper Mahkamov.
Apart from that effort, Bahrain failed to pose any real threat throughout the first-half.
In the second, Bahrain seemed more lively and managed to create a couple of chances.
Bahrain’s Hilal had his chance to score the equaliser. However, his header hit the crossbar and was quickly cleared for a corner.
Bahrain were denied a penalty in the 86th minute when Abdulla Omar was bought down in the box but the referee signaled play on.
Bahrain had to wait till the third minute of added time to score the equaliser.
Al Aswad collected a loose ball in the penalty area and quickly volleyed it into the net before Tajikistan’s defenders could do anything about it.