Back
Bahrain claim their first victory of the GFF U17 Gulf Cup with a dramatic 1-0 win in Doha, moving third in Group A
Bahrain secured their first victory at the Gulf Football Federation (GFF) U17 Gulf Cup on Sunday, October 18, edging hosts Qatar 1-0 through a stoppage-time own goal at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.
The young Reds, coached by Khalid Hassan, appeared headed for a goalless draw until Qatar's Hamed Fadi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the first minute of added time.
The goal came after Hussain Zuhair squared the ball from the left side of the penalty area, with Fadi's attempted interception sending it past goalkeeper Ali Ismail Abbas.
Qatar, coached by Chilean Nicholas Arnaldo, had the clearest opportunity in the 85th minute when Ali Yousif was played through on the right side of the penalty area.
The forward beat defender Kamil Al Sitraoui, leaving himself with only goalkeeper Hussain Al Majid to beat, but sent his effort wide from close range.
Bahrain made Qatar pay for that miss minutes later, claiming all three points to bounce back from their opening 2-1 defeat to the UAE on Friday.
In Group A's other fixture, invited side China defeated Oman 2-1 to maintain their perfect record and move three points clear at the top of the standings.
The UAE sit second on three points, ahead of Bahrain on goal difference despite having played one game fewer. Oman and Qatar remain without a point, with the latter having lost both their matches.
Hassan's side will next face China on Thursday, October 22, before concluding their group campaign against Oman on October 28. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals on November 1.
The tournament also serves as preparation for November's AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers in Oman, where Bahrain will face the hosts, Kuwait, Brunei Darussalam and Lebanon in Group G.