In a thrilling finale that kept fans in suspense, the Socceroos snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bahrain thanks to a last-minute equalizer from Kusini Yengi, avoiding a major blow to their World Cup qualifying campaign. World.
The Australians seemed to be in control of the match, leading 1-0 in the second half. However, the match took a turn when Bahrain’s Mahdi Abduljabbar scored back-to-back goals, putting the Socceroos in a precarious position before Yengi’s heroics in the final minutes of the match.
Currently second, the Socceroos are nine points behind Group C leaders Japan in the Asian World Cup qualifiers, but their position is far from secure. With Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China hot on their heels – each just one point behind – the battle for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup promises to be intense.
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Although the draw saved appearances, the Australians had ample opportunities to secure all three points before Bahrain regained momentum. Yengi opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, taking advantage of an ill-adjusted back pass from Sayed Baqer, skilfully rounding goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla.
Yengi’s confidence soared, and he was on the verge of doubling the lead 24 minutes after kick-off, only to be stopped again by Lutfalla. Even the amount conspired against him shortly before the hour mark, denying him what looked like a sure second goal for the visitors.
In a critical moment, Yengi missed a golden opportunity to extend Australia’s advantage soon after, allowing Bahrain to respond. That chance came in the 64th minute when Ebrahim Al-Khatal’s shot was masterfully blocked by Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess.
However, the Bahrainis found their equalizer in the 75th minute thanks to a magnificent long-range strike from Abduljabbar, who took advantage of a misjudged check from Burgess, surprising Mat Ryan off his line when the ball found the back of the net. fillets.
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Just two minutes later, Abduljabbar compounded Australia’s problems by scoring from close range after a deflected cross from Mahdi Al-Humaidan bounced off the post. As he placed the rebound into the back of the net, the Socceroos were left precariously balanced.
However, Yengi emerged as the savior once again, finding the net from close range in injury time, ensuring both teams left the field with a share of the points.
Coach Tony Popovic has made significant changes to the team that featured in the recent 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. Among the changes, captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan returned to the team for the first time since the departure of former coach Graham Arnold, replacing Joe Gauci.
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Sydney FC defender Hayden Matthews, 20, made his debut, replacing Jason Geria, while Anthony Caceres earned his place after impressing off the bench in the last game. Additionally, Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich replaced former City left-back Jordy Bos, and Craig Goodwin’s return from suspension saw him start ahead of Ajdin Hrustic.
As the Socceroos look to the future, they aim to learn from this narrow escape and consolidate their position by aiming for qualification for the upcoming World Cup.
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