Bahrain Rescue Late Against Turkmenistan

Hessa Al Isa scores dramatic 95th-minute equaliser in rain-soaked thriller in Yangon

Played under pouring rain, Turkmenistan and Bahrain played out a chaotic 2–2 draw in Group C of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with four goals shared in the final ten minutes. Hessa Al Isa’s last-gasp equaliser sealed a dramatic point for Bahrain in a game that nearly slipped away.

Missed Chances, Rising Tensions

The first half saw both teams struggle with the wet conditions. Turkmenistan had a golden chance to score early but a one-on-one effort sailed over the bar. Bahrain’s brightest spark, Hessa Al Isa, created multiple openings but her side failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

After the break the energy ramped up. Turkmenistan piled pressure on Bahrain’s backline and came close on multiple occasions, including a bizarre moment where a looping cross struck the crossbar.

Bahrain responded with a big chance of their own as Alanood Al Mannaei fired goalward from a tight angle only to be denied by Aysha Amanberdıyeva in the Turkmen goal.

The turning point seemed to come in the 80th minute. Bahrain struck the post from a corner and seconds later Hessa Al Ali was brought down in the box but penalty appeals were waved away. The decision enraged Bahrain’s players and bench who surrounded the referee in protest.

Final Ten Deliver Fireworks

The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute. Turkmenistan’s Mariya Charyyeva pounced on a failed clearance and met the bouncing ball with a clean half-volley from just inside the area. The ball cannoned in off the bar to spark jubilation on the Turkmen bench.

But Bahrain immediately replied. Amira Sowar broke through the backline and attempted to poke the ball into the far corner. It seemed to be rolling wide until Leleya Sabkar slid in to force it over the line. She paid for her bravery with a heavy knock but gave her side a vital goal.

There was barely time to settle before Turkmenistan struck again. Exploiting Bahrain’s high line, Alymjanova Lachyn latched onto a long ball and coolly lifted her finish over Khulood Adam to make it 2–1.

As the clock struck 95 minutes, two minutes beyond the three announced, Hessa Al Isa finally got her reward. Released by a beautiful pass from Leleya Sabkar, she broke through the middle and coolly placed her shot into the far corner. The equaliser triggered euphoric celebrations from the Bahraini bench, with head coach Mohammed Adnan making a deliberate show of celebration toward the officials after a game filled with controversy.

Post-match Reaction

Speaking after the game, Bahrain’s Hessa Al Ali shared her thoughts:

 “I don’t know how I feel. It’s mixed emotions. It was a 50–50 game. We came in wanting to win and there were ups and downs. The most important thing is we didn’t lose. We tried our best. The weather and environment affected our concentration. Thank you to Myanmar for hosting a great tournament.”

Group C Context

Bahrain currently sit third in Group C on 1 point, with Turkmenistan in fourth also on 1 point but behind on goal difference. Bahrain lost 7–0 to Bangladesh in their opener, while Turkmenistan were beaten 8–0 by Myanmar.

Bangladesh top the group with 6 points from two wins, after beating Myanmar 2–1 earlier in the day. The hosts sit second with 3 points.

Only the group winner qualifies for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next March. With one game remaining, both Bahrain and Turkmenistan are officially out of contention. The final matchday will decide whether Bangladesh or Myanmar go through. Bangladesh will qualify unless they lose to Turkmenistan and Myanmar defeat Bahrain