Bahrain continued preparations for their third Group ‘A’ match against India in the AFC Asian Cup.
The Group ‘A’ clash, to be held at Sharjah on Monday, kicks off at 7pm.
The team reached Sharjah last night after a training session at Al Wasl Club in Dubai yesterday morning, led by coach Miroslav Soukup.
Bahrain have lost the chance to top the group, after a draw against UAE and a defeat against Thailand. They can qualify for the second round if they beat India and UAE overcome Thailand in the last group clashes.
UAE currently lead the group with four points, followed by India in the second place with three points, ahead on goal difference against Thailand who are third with three points, while Bahrain are in fourth position with just one point.
Bahrain striker Abdulla Yousif said the players have put the defeat against Thailand behind them and are now are focused on the next important match against India.
“It’s a do-or-die match for us,” said Yousif in a statement after the training session.
“India will be a very tough opposition, and we must be positive and play strong to achieve victory,” he added.
Yousif praised the continuous support of Bahrain fans who have always been there in the stands to cheer for the team. He hoped that they will keep supporting the team until the last minute of their match against India.
Assistant coach Khalid Taj stressed the importance of the match against India, pointing out that the team will play for victory in order to qualify for the next round.
“We totally respect the Indian team who performed amazingly in the first two matches; they are one of the improved teams in Asia,” said Taj.
“We are working on preparing the players physically and mentally, as well as focusing on the technical aspects to secure victory,” he added.
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