BAHRAIN moved to the top of the group ‘E’ standings in 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying after a fine 2-1 win over Turkmenistan yesterday.
Mohammed Al Rumaihi and Abdulla Yasser were both on target for the visitors, who claimed their first win in two matches in this third and final stage of qualification.
The Bahrainis now sit a point clear of both Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei on the group standings. Chinese-Taipei beat Singapore 2-1 away from home last week.
Seeking a fifth consecutive appearance at the Asian Cup, Bahrain were looking to do better from their goalless draw last March at home to Singapore.
Al Rumaihi had opened the scoring after 55 minutes before Yasser added the crucial second with 11 minutes remaining. Murat Yakshiyev had a late consolation for the home side.
Turkmenistan sought to take control of the game from the first whistle, but the home side found a well-organised Bahrain defence tough to break down as Yakshiyev and Altymyrat Annadurdyyew failed to find the target.
Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Mohamed Jaffar was called into action to deny Suleyman Muhadov as the hosts continued to press. But Bahrain started to find a way into the contest as the half progressed and Ismaeel Abdullatif and Al Rumaihi were denied by Turkmenistan goalkeeper Mammet Orazmuhammedow.
Bahrain’s dominance continued at the start of the second half and the visitors opened the scoring 10 minutes after the break as Al Romaihi capatalised on a mistake from the Turkmenistan defence.
The visitors continued to press and Yasser then added a crucial second for the visitors with 11 minutes remaining.
Turkmenistan, though, set up a tense finale as Yakshiyev fired home with four minutes remaining, although it proved to be too little too late as Bahrain held on to their advantage in the closing stages.
Al Rumaihi was later announced as the Man of the Match. Speaking at the post-game Press conference, the talented forward commented: “We thank God for this win, which we needed badly. We played well against Singapore but did not get the victory, so we are very happy today that we managed to find the net twice and come away with all three points.
“This result is the product of the determination and work of all the players and our entire team.”
Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup said: “It was a tough match against a well-organised team. We are happy to win. The players are pleased to score the two goals after missing out in our first game.
“We look forward to our remaining matches and we will continue to work hard to get the best results.”
The national team is scheduled to arrive back in Bahrain today. Their next match in Asian Cup qualifying will be against Chinese-Taipei at home on September 5.
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