Page 12 - index
P. 12




FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025
12






Japan down Bahrain for World Cup spot







Double strike from Kamada and Kubo helps Japan to become first AFC nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup


• Bahrain shows

defensive resilience
before second-half
breakthrough
• Australian thrashing KNOW WHAT

of Indonesia keeps
Group C wide open Since breaking their
World Cup drought
• Talajic’s squad in 1998 following

faces crucial trip to the establishment of
Indonesia on March 25 the J.League in 1993,
Japan have qualified
for eight consecutive
Hussain Almaskati
TDT | Manama tournaments, trans-
forming from perpet-
apan confirmed their place ual outsiders to Asian
at the 2026 FIFA World Cup football powerhouse
Jwith a 2-0 win over Bah-
rain at Saitama Stadium. Daichi Saudi Arabia defeated Chi-
Kamada and Takefusa Kubo na 1-0 in Riyadh, with Salem
scored as Hajime Moriyasu’s Al-Dawsari’s 49th-minute goal
side extended their near-per- proving decisive. The result
fect record in Group C of the AFC keeps Saudi Arabia in conten-
qualifiers. tion for automatic qualification,
It marks Japan’s eighth con- while China’s hopes took a hit,
secutive World Cup qualifica- leaving them level on points
tion. Until the early 1990s, the Sayed Saeed in action at Saitama Stadium 2002 with Indonesia and Bahrain.
tournament was an unattain- chance in stoppage time. ments that mattered.” Bahrain’s Mohamed Marhoon and Japan’s Hidemasa Morita compete for the ball
able dream, but the J.League’s Bahrain, under Dragan Talajić, Bahrain’s defeat does not end Bahrain’s Hopes Alive
establishment in 1993 paved threatened on the counter. Mah- their World Cup hopes. They With Japan’s place confirmed,
the way for success. Since their di Abduljabbar miscued an effort remain in contention for a play- Bahrain must now focus on a
breakthrough in 1998, Japan from Ali Madan’s cross, while off spot, but the battle intensi- crucial fixture against Indonesia
have never missed a World Cup. Mohamed Marhoon and Komail fies with Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
This time, they aim to progress Al Aswad tested Japan’s defence. fighting for the same place. Bah- on March 25 at 4:45 PM local
beyond the Round of 16. They won several set-pieces but rain’s squad, a mix of experience time. They then host Saudi Ara-
They are the first AFC team to failed to capitalise. and young talent, must regroup bia on June 5 before concluding
qualify, joining hosts USA, Mex- The deadlock was broken in quickly. their campaign against China
ico, and Canada. Japan’s consist- the 66th minute when Kama- on June 10.
ency on the world stage under- da, introduced as a substitute, Australia Strengthen Bid Bahrain’s coaching staff be-
lines their footballing evolution. chipped over Ebrahim Lutfalla Elsewhere in Group C, Aus- lieve their team can secure
They have beaten top-ranked after Kubo’s assist. Kubo sealed tralia moved closer to qualifi- qualification if they remain dis-
sides like Germany and Spain the win in the 87th, cutting in- cation with a 5-1 win over Indo- ciplined and clinical in attack.
in recent tournaments and are side and beating Lutfalla at his nesia in Sydney. Martin Boyle’s Every point will be vital in the
determined to leave a stronger near post. Japan’s passing and early penalty and Nishan Ve - three remaining matches, with
imprint in 2026. movement proved too much. lupillay’s lob put Australia in the competition for a top-two
Bahrain Unable to Respond control. Jackson Irvine’s brace finish intensifying. Indonesia’s
Second-Half Quality Tells Kubo’s goal put the contest and Lewis Miller’s header sealed improved performances add
Bahrain delivered a disci - beyond reach. Talajić acknowl- the win. pressure, but Bahrain’s experi-
plined defensive display in the edged Japan’s quality but re - Kevin Diks had briefly drawn ence could give them an edge.
first half, frustrating Japan’s at- mained optimistic. “We matched Indonesia level but missed While Japan look ahead to
tack. Amine Benadi and Hamad them for long spells, but their a penalty minutes later. The North America, Bahrain have
Al Shamsan stood firm, while quality showed.” missed opportunity proved cost- plenty to play for. Three matches
Wataru Endo’s 9th-minute head- Moriyasu credited his team’s ly as Australia dominated, high- remain, and with the battle for
er was disallowed for handball. composure. “Bahrain were lighting their status as group second place wide open, their
Kaoru Mitoma missed a golden tough, but we found the mo - favourites alongside Japan. World Cup hopes are still alive. Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma kicks the ball


Bahrain eyes FIBA Asia Cup Qualification with home-court advantage



TDT | Manama India, followed by a crucial en- represent the national team is a
counter with Iraq on Sunday. tremendous honor. To be select-
his weekend, Bahrain’s sen- Both games are set to tip off at ed as one of the 12 best players in
Tior men’s basketball team 10 pm. Our fans are eager to the country is everything to me.”
will take their final shot at qual- Additionally, BBA president see the team perform The Bahrain squad, coached
ifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Alaa Mudara paid a visit to the at their best, and I by Jad El Hajj, consists of 14
Cup, hosting the pivotal West national team’s training session, have full confidence players: Mustafa Hussain, Ali
Asia qualification tournament at reinforcing his ongoing support. in the players’ ability Aqeel, Ali Hussain, Mohammed
Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. He met with players and coach- to achieve the desired Ameer, Ali Shukrallah, Subah
The three-team event will ing staff, urging them to give results Hussain, Ahmed Bin Dainah, Ali
determine two teams that will their best efforts in the upcom- Jaber, Wayne Chism, Maitham
secure spots in the prestigious ing qualifiers. “The next phase is ALAA MUDARA Jameel, Hesham Sarhan, Ahmed
continental tournament. Bah- critical,” Mudara said. “Our fans Alderazi, and Mohammed Ju-
rain will compete against Iraq are eager to see the team per- to make his debut in the tourna- ma’a. These players are prepar-
and India, with all matches be- form at their best, and I have full ment. “It’s a massive stage, and ing for the final push to secure a
ing played before an enthusiastic confidence in the players’ ability whether it’s my debut or not, it spot in the FIBA Asia Cup, joining
home crowd. Alaa Mudara, BBA President, visits the National Basketball Team to achieve the desired results.” will mean a lot. Every basketball other teams such as China, Iran,
National team captain Ahmed Their support is priceless.” cal matches ahead that will de- The top two teams from the player dreams of playing at this South Korea, New Zealand, the
Salman is eager to seize the India completed the tourna- termine who progresses. round-robin competition will level, and I want to make an im- Philippines, Qatar, Syria, and
opportunity to play in front of ment lineup upon their arrival The tournament kicks off to- secure their spots in the 2025 pact with my team.” host Saudi Arabia, who have al-
Bahrain’s passionate support- in Bahrain yesterday. The Indian day with Iraq and India facing FIBA Asia Cup, which will be Salman, the son of former na- ready earned their place.
ers. “Hosting this qualifying team was warmly welcomed at each other. Both teams arrived held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, tional team head coach Salman The FIBA Asia Cup is the con-
tournament is huge for us,” said Bahrain International Airport by on Wednesday and were greeted this August. Ramadhan, acknowledges the tinent’s premier basketball tour-
Salman. “It’s vital for both the Bahrain Basketball Association by BBA secretary general Ahmed For Ahmed Salman, compet- significance of this opportunity. nament, featuring senior men’s
players and the team as a whole. (BBA) director Abed Al Ansari, Hafez and BBA director Abed Al ing in the Asia Cup would be a “My dad was the head coach national teams from both FIBA
The fans are everything—they’re who wished them the best of Ansari. dream come true. “Every play- for years and holds the record Asia and FIBA Oceania. Bahrain
incredibly passionate, love the luck in the qualifiers. The teams Bahrain’s campaign begins er wants to be part of the Asia for the most medals with the is aiming to qualify for the cham-
game, and support us endlessly. are now preparing for the criti- tomorrow with a match against Cup,” said Salman, who hopes national team,” he reflected. “To pionship for the 10th time.



Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood Al Mahmood
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