Bahrain gave themselves a timely confidence boost prior to the AFC Asian Cup after recording a resounding 4-1 victory over three-time tournament winners Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
A brace from striker Ismail Abdul Latif at Geelong's Simmonds Stadium helped restore some much need confidence in the Bahrain camp following a disappointing Gulf Cup of Nations in November.
Fouzi Aaish opened Bahrain's account with a 20th minute penalty after Green Falcons captain Hassan Fallatah had brought down Abdul Latif in the box.
Sami Al Hussaini extended Bahrain's lead six minutes later, before Naif Hazazi put Saudi Arabia back in contention with a strike from close range shortly after half-time.
The Saudi Arabian resurgence was, however, to be short- lived, Abdul Latif duly converting a penalty on 58 minutes and then notching his second with ten minutes of the game remaining.
Bahrain will finalise their Asian Cup preparations when they take on Jordan in Ballarat on Sunday January 4 ahead of their opening Group C clash with Iran a week later.
On the same day, Saudi Arabia take on continental heavyweights Korea Republic in Sydney in a final game before their tournament begins with a Group B fixture against China on January 10.
A brace from striker Ismail Abdul Latif at Geelong's Simmonds Stadium helped restore some much need confidence in the Bahrain camp following a disappointing Gulf Cup of Nations in November.
Fouzi Aaish opened Bahrain's account with a 20th minute penalty after Green Falcons captain Hassan Fallatah had brought down Abdul Latif in the box.
Sami Al Hussaini extended Bahrain's lead six minutes later, before Naif Hazazi put Saudi Arabia back in contention with a strike from close range shortly after half-time.
The Saudi Arabian resurgence was, however, to be short- lived, Abdul Latif duly converting a penalty on 58 minutes and then notching his second with ten minutes of the game remaining.
Bahrain will finalise their Asian Cup preparations when they take on Jordan in Ballarat on Sunday January 4 ahead of their opening Group C clash with Iran a week later.
On the same day, Saudi Arabia take on continental heavyweights Korea Republic in Sydney in a final game before their tournament begins with a Group B fixture against China on January 10.
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Posted By Blogger to SOCCER 24H on 12/31/2014 05:58:00 pm
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