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BAHRAIN took a big step forward in qualifying for the 2015 Asian Cup Finals. A vital goal from Fawzi Aaish against Qatar proved decisive during their qualifying clash at the National Stadium.
His 21st-minute strike was enough to see Bahrain sitting pretty, unbeaten and three points clear at the top of the table until the qualification process resumes in October. In Shah Alam, Malaysia, former co-hosts of the Asian showpiece, looked headed for their second defeat in two games when they went behind in the 12th minute.
But the Malaysians were back on level terms before the half-hour mark through Azamuddin Akil, before Khyril Muhymeen’s clincher with the 2-1 win lifting them off the foot of Group D, a position now occupied by Yemen.
The top two in five groups of four, plus the best third-placed team, will qualify for the 2015 tournament in Australia, along with automatically qualified defending champions Japan, Australia (2011 runners-up, hosts) and South Korea (third), Challenge Cup champions North Korea and winners of the 2014 Challenge Cup.
