Bahrain face Jordan in key qualifier
Bahrain will look to take a major step towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 when they face Jordan tomorrow in their second Group D qualifier at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
The kingdom’s junior men’s team kick off at 8.30pm, with both sides heading into the encounter on three points following victories in their opening matches.
Ali Aamer’s men began their campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Tajikistan, while Jordan edged Afghanistan 1-0 to set up an important meeting between the group’s two early leaders.
The nationals will once again look to Ali Mahran for inspiration after the youngster fired a hat-trick in their opening victory.
Mahran headed home Rashed Al Jazzaf’s delivery to open the scoring in the sixth minute before Tajikistan responded through Azizbek Murotov eight minutes later.
The Bahrain forward restored his side’s advantage just before half-time, knocking home Abdulrahman Bassam’s corner to send the hosts into the break 2-1 ahead.
The contest was later halted following a floodlight failure and only resumed after a lengthy interruption.
Mahran completed his treble following the restart, pouncing on a rebound after Tajikistan goalkeeper Abubakr Rahmonqulov had denied Ahmed Nasser Alhumood.
An own goal in stoppage time reduced Bahrain’s advantage, but Aamer’s side held on to secure all three points.
Jordan, meanwhile, were made to work hard for their opening victory against Afghanistan.
Ibrahim Jaber’s side survived some early pressure before taking the lead shortly before half-time, when Mohannad Mahmoud’s turn inside the area created the opening for Adeeb Ramadan to finish.
Afghanistan continued to push for an equaliser after the interval, but Jordan protected their slender advantage to begin their campaign with three points and a clean sheet.
With only the group winners guaranteed qualification, the encounter could have a significant bearing on who finishes top of Group D.
Afghanistan and Tajikistan, who are both still searching for their first points, meet earlier tomorrow at 5pm.
The final round of matches takes place on Sunday, when Jordan face Tajikistan at 5pm before Bahrain complete their campaign against Afghanistan at 8.30pm.
The eight group winners and seven best runners-up will advance to next year’s AFC U20 Asian Cup in China, scheduled to take place from March 24 to April 10.
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