FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Cambodia yesterday in their second Group B match in qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025.
The kingdom’s junior national team headed into the affair on a high, having eked out a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in their opening fixture last week.
Both teams were goalless heading into the half-time break, but the Cambodians finally broke through in the 68th minute when substitute Mean Chanrith scored from inside the box off a fine assist by Menghong Sou.
It was a disappointing outcome for the nationals, who suffered their first loss to go with their earlier victory in their qualification pool, which is being held in New Taipei. Cambodia claimed their second win in three outings and leapfrogged the Bahrainis on the Group B table.
In yesterday’s other game, leaders Uzbekistan posted their second straight rout after outclassing Nepal 6-0. Their big win came after a 7-0 drubbing of Cambodia in their maiden outing last week.
Bahrain will be hoping to bounce back when they return to the pitch tomorrow against Nepal.
The fixture will be at Fu Jen University, and it is scheduled for a 10am kick-off, Bahrain time.
The nationals then wrap up their qualifying campaign on Sunday against Uzbekistan, also at Fu Jen University, and against at 10am, Bahrain.
There are 10 groups in qualifying. The winners of each and the five best second-placed teams will book their tickets alongside hosts China to the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025, to be held February 6 to 23 next year.
In yesterday’s encounter, Bahrain head coach Ali Sanqour fielded a starting 11 that featured Ashar Mubarak in goal, along with Ahmed Albari, Isa Alkhazami, Ali Yunis Amin, Rashid Mejairan, Ali Alenezi, Mohammed Alshaikhani, Saood Saad, Abdulla Ghanem, Mahdi Marzooq, and Jamal Alkhallaqi.
Chanrith’s winner came after the Bahrainis gave up possession easily in their own half. Sou then received a pass from teammate Lucca Thong Lim in the middle of the pitch, and he spotted Chanrith charging towards the box. Sou then delivered a perfectly timed through-ball that broke Bahrain’s off-side trap, leaving Chanrith in a one-on-one with Mubarak.
The Cambodian forward coolly slotted home despite some pressure from Bahraini defenders chasing from behind.
Bahrain must hope to not lose any more points in their last two matches in order to gain an automatic berth in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025.
The nationals are looking to make it to the junior continental showcase for the 10th time in the competition’s history, and the first time since 2016, when they advanced all the way to the quarter-finals. The Bahrainis have since missed the last two editions of the tournament.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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