MATCH RESULT
Bahrain have a win to show for their Asian Cup efforts after beating Qatar 2-1 in Sydney.
Both sides started with many chances in the first half, but it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Bahrain opened the scoring through Sayed Dhiya Shubbar. With both sides hitting the woodwork in the first 45 minutes, Bahrain will have considered themselves lucky to go into the half time break up 1-0.
Qatar started the second half with intent, and they scored the equalizer from a Hassan Al Haidos free kick in the 68th minute.
The game slowed down significantly after that, and we seemed destined for a draw before a 82nd minute Sayed Ahmed goal sealed the 3 points for Bahrain.
It’s worth mentioning that Mohammed Muntari has numerous missed opportunities in this match, and if he had hit even one of them, this game could have been very different.
MATCH PREVIEW
Pride is on the line at the Asian Cup when Qatar take on Bahrain in Sydney. Join The Roar for Live Scores and Commentary from 8:00pm (AEDT).
Bahrain have two losses from their two games in this tournament, dropping their opener to Iran 2-0 before losing 2-1 to the UAE. While they still have nothing to show for their efforts at the Asian Cup, they certainly looked impressive against the UAE, and a win would build nicely for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Qatar also have two losses to start the tournament, dropping their opener to the UAE 4-1, before taking a 1-0 loss to Iran. With controversy still surrounding their upcoming World Cup, a win here would be a step towards relevancy for Qatar.
Bahrain have certainly looked the better of the two sides so far, particularly in their attacking third. With Jaycee John Okwunwanne up front, Bahrain have a legitimate target in the area, one that will certainly cause trouble for the Qatari back four.
In contrast, Qatar have looked toothless in attack so far in this competition. Mohammed Mutari showed some intent against Iran, but he will need help if Qatar want a result out of this game.
Both defences have been average at best this tournament. While both have had good patches, the stats read five goals against Qatar, and four against Bahrain. While Bahrain certainly have the more potent attacking options, this game could come down to which defence performs better.
As mentioned above, Jaycee John Okwunwanne is Bahrain’s best avenue to goal. The big Nigerian scored against the UAE, and he will be hungry to add to that tally against Qatar. Captain Mohamed Hussain will be keen to put in a strong performance after his own-goal sealed the 2-1 loss to the UAE.
Mohammed Muntari will cause headaches for Bahrain, but as mentioned above, the key here is the help he may get from his team mates. Khalfan Ibrahim may be the man to fill that role, as he showed promise in the latter stages of their loss to Iran.
Prediction:
The fact that this game is a dead rubber makes this prediction hard. Both teams could come out and play with defensive mindsets, or we could see both teams throw caution to the wind. Either way, I’m fairly confident in a Bahrain win.
Bahrain 2-0
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
93' Aaish wins a free kick deep in defence, and that may do it here. Al Doseri boots the ball up field, and there's the full time whistle!! Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
YELLOW CARD BAHRAIN 93' Qatar are striving here, but Bahrain have enough to repel them. Abdulla Yaser is booked now. Only 30 seconds left for Qatar Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
91' Qatar get themselves into the area now, and they have time. Muntari with the clever back-heel to find Majid, but he can't beat Al Doseri. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
90' 4 minutes for Qatar to salvage a point from this game. Bahrain are on the attack though, and Sayed Ahmed has another go from long distance, but he can't hit the target. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
89' Bahrain were almost away there, but Al Hooti couldn't keep it in. They would have been 2 on 1 then. Qatar go forward now, and Abdullah may be in, but he's slightly offside. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
88' Al Haidos has a free kick here, and Al Doseri does well to punch that one away. Qatar still on the attack here, but the ball in is poor, and Bahrain clear it away. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
87' Muntari wins the football on the wing, but he's defended well. Only 2 minutes left in regulation. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
86' Not long now for Qatar, who aren't showing enough desperation for mine. They still are pursuing the long ball, and it's still not working. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
84' Bahrain are already in time-wasting mode here. The corner from the Aaish shot was taken short, and Aaish just danced around the corner post for a while. Qatar eventually dispossess him, and they'll go forward. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
83' Bahrain looking to go forward again here, as Jaycee John gets behind the defence. He's dispossessed, but Bahrain win the ball again in the midfield. Now Aaish is on the ball, and he has a ping from 30. This one's on target, and it forces a save out of Burhan. Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL BAHRAIN 81' WOW!!!! Sayed Ahmed has the ball around the area, and he sees Burhan off his line. He sends a perfectly weighted ball towards goal, and this one gets over Burhan and into the back of the net!!!! Qatar 1 Bahrain 2
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
80' Bahrain look to go forward here, and they have a throw in in their attacking third. They go backwards with possession though, and the turnover comes not long after. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
78' A corner for Qatar, but it's way too close to Al Doseri. 10 minutes away from the first draw of Asian Cup 2015. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
76' Tresor sends a ball in looking for Muntari, but he can't get on to the end of this one. Now Muntari is played in by Magid, but he's missed the net from 10 feet away!!! Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
75' Bahrain catch the defence napping a little here, as they've got a genuine 3 on 3. Jaycee John ends up with the football, but his strike is deflected away. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
73' Qatar getting right on top here, but they're still too fixated on the long ball. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
72' Al Haidos has another chance at goal here. He puts in a good ball, but Muntari can't hit the target. He should have a goal in this one. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
71' Corner for Bahrain. Aaish hits it well to the back post, but Baba can't get any power on his header. Now Qatar go forward quickly, and Boudiaf is almost in!! Free kick now for Qatar, as Baba is done for handball. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
68' Another chance for Qatar, as Al Hooti is forced to clear away from the back post. Qatar 1 Bahrain 1
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
GOAL QATAR 67' Free kick is eventually taken by Al Haidos, and he finds a gap in the wall to beat Al Doseri!!! Tie Game!!! Qatar 1 Bahrain 1