Bahrain bow out after Afghan defeat

Junior men miss Asian Cup qualification following 3-1 loss

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s hopes of reaching the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 came to an end last night after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Afghanistan in their final Group D qualifier at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.

Ali Aamer’s side needed victory to keep their qualification hopes alive but were punished by an Afghan team that had entered the contest without a point from their opening two matches.

The result left the kingdom’s youngsters on three points from three games, having beaten Tajikistan 3-2 before losing 2-1 to Jordan.

The visitors stunned the hosts after just six minutes when a long clearance dropped into Bahrain’s defense line. Captain Habibullah Hotak outmuscled Bader Al Asam as he attempted to deal with the ball, evaded a challenge from Adam Farid and fired into the roof of the net.

The Bahrainis enjoyed plenty of possession afterwards but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Ali Mahran, who scored a hat-trick against Tajikistan, volleyed over from close range in the 27th minute.

Ali Nasser then whipped a dangerous free-kick across the face of goal shortly before half-time, but it evaded everyone when only a touch was needed to turn it in.

The nationals finally drew level in the 59th minute. Abdulla Osama met a corner with a low header that took a deflection on its way into the bottom corner.

Their momentum was short-lived, however, as substitute Yaser Safi restored Afghanistan’s lead 10 minutes later. The winger created space just inside the penalty area before curling a fine effort into the corner, past goalkeeper Abdulla Abdo.

Mahran found the side-netting in the 75th minute before the Afghans put the contest beyond reach six minutes from time. A long kick from the goalkeeper was flicked into the path of Farzad Tajik. He raced through, rounded the keeper and rolled into an empty net for 3-1.

Tempers flared during the celebrations, with the two benches clashing after Bahrain took exception to the reaction to the goal. Unused substitute Karar Hussain was shown a red card.

The defeat ended the hosts’ bid to return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup for the first time since 2016.

Earlier yesterday, Tajikistan defeated Jordan 1-0 to leave both teams on six points, with the Central Asians finishing top of Group D on goal difference.

The eight group winners and seven best runners-up advance to next year’s finals in China.