FOOTBALL – Bahrain are ready to make their mark in the Fifa Arab Cup 2025 and will be taking things “step by step, game by game” as they begin their quest for a first-ever title in the prestigious regional tournament, being hosted by Qatar.
This was claimed yesterday by the kingdom’s senior men’s football national team head coach Dragan Talajic, who was speaking during his pre-game Press conference ahead of their clash this evening against four-time champions Iraq, which will be played at Stadium 974 in Doha, scheduled for a 5.30pm kick-off.
“We are coming into this competition having prepared in the best way,” Talajic said.
“We really respect the Iraq national team, and also congratulations to the Iraqi federation and their players for qualifying for the last game to go to the Fifa World Cup.”
“I wish them all the best, but not for tomorrow.”
Bahrain secured their spot in this year’s Fifa Arab Cup after defeating Djibouti 1-0 last week in a single-game qualification contest, also held in the Qatari capital.
They are now in Group D for the preliminary stage alongside the Iraqis, defending champions Algeria, and Sudan.
“We are past Djibouti and our first target is finished,” Talajic added.
“We have prepared in a nice way and my boys are ready for everything.”
“I believe, with my boys, we are one small family, but with big support from all Bahraini people. Inshallah, tomorrow, we will show everyone what we are ready to do for our kingdom and for our people.”
Talajic speaks during his pre-game Press conference yesterday
Talajic said that there will be no easy matches in the 16-nation competition and highlighted that they are aiming to be in the final – but will remain focused on their task one match at a time.
“Every group is very hard in this Arab Cup – our group is very hard, and we respect Iraq, we respect Algeria, and we respect Sudan,” stressed the Croatian.
“But if you want to go up, you have to win every game – no question about it.”
“Game by game, win by win, and inshaallah we will see you in the final.”
Talajic noted that Bahrain’s players had learned valuable lessons in their unsuccessful bid to secure an historic spot in next year’s Fifa World Cup – a feat that Iraq are now on the verge of achieving.
“Saudi, Japan, and Australia – I am so proud of my boys about how they played in this qualification group for the World Cup,” Talajic said.
“Of course, we are out of qualification, and we are very sorry for this – I am a little bit ashamed.”
“But we must be honest. Look at our group and all the teams that were with us. I am so proud of my boys.”
“This is progress, we gained experience from this qualification, and we showed in the Gulf Cup what kind of experience we have. Now, in this Arab Cup, we will show this also.”
“We are positive because this was a very good experience for us in World Cup qualification.”
“We are building our house, step by step. I truly believe in my boys – step by step, game by game. Tomorrow will be a nice game and everybody will enjoy it, and inshaallah we will celebrate.”
Following today’s contest, Bahrain next face their Algerian counterparts on Saturday at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, scheduled for a 4.30pm start. They then play their concluding Group D assignment against Sudan on Tuesday next week at Education City Stadium, slated for an 8pm kick-off.
Group A in the Fifa Arab Cup 2025 features Syria, Palestine, Qatar, and Tunisia, while Group B is composed of Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Comoros. Group C includes the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait.
This year’s tournament is its 11th edition and it is taking place for the second time under its current format organised by Fifa.
Bahrain’s Madan dribbles the ball on his head as he participates in drills
Talajic has had a 24-player squad for the competition. The roster includes Mohammed Jassim Marhoon, Mahdi Abduljabbar, Komail Al Aswad, Ali Madan, Sayed Dhiya Saeed, Abdulla Al Khalasi, Waleed Al Hayyam, Hussain Al Eker, Ahmed Bughammar, Vincent Emmanuel, Sayed Mahmoud Al Mosawi, Hazza Ali, Mohammed Adel, Sayed Redha Isa, Jassim Al Shaikh, Omar Saber, Sayed Hashem Isa, Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Ebrahim Al Khattal, and goalkeepers Ebrahim Luthfallah, Mohammed Algharabli, Omar Salem, Amine Benaddi, and Mahdi Humaidan.
The nationals held their final training session under Talajic’s supervision last night ahead of today’s match.
In attendance were Bahrain Football Association (BFA) vice-president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa and BFA board member Shaikh Salman bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))