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Socceroos draw 2-2 with Bahrain in FIFA World Cup qualifying thriller

The Socceroos have escaped with a 2-2 draw against Bahrain in Riffa, conceding two goals inside two disastrous minutes before scoring an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Marco MonteverdeMarco Monteverde
@marcothejourno
2 min read
November 20, 2024 - 7:24AM
News Sport Network
The Socceroos drew 2-2 with Bahrain. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images
The Socceroos drew 2-2 with Bahrain. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

A stoppage-time equaliser from Kusini Yengi has saved the Socceroos from complete disaster in Riffa against Bahrain.

Leading 1-0 deep into the second-half, the Australians conceded twice in the space of two minutes through a brace from Bahrain substitute Mahdi Abduljabbar before Yengi’s second goal of the contest ensured the FIFA World Cup qualifier finished in a 2-2 draw.

The point moved the Socceroos into second spot, nine points behind Group C leaders Japan, in the third-round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.

However, second place, which brings with it automatic qualification to the 2026 World remains well and truly up for grabs, with four teams – Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China – only one point behind Australia.

While the draw was better than nothing, the Socceroos should have put the game to bed before Bahrain’s second-half fightback.

The visitors made a dream start, going ahead inside the first minute through Yengi,

Called into the starting side at the expense of veteran marksman Mitch Duke, Yengi pounced on a weak back pass from Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer before rounding goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla and guiding the ball into the back of the net.

Yengi should have doubled Australia’s lead in the 24th minute after being fed by midfielder Riley McGree but he was foiled by Lutfalla.

Chances continued to fall Yengi’s way, with the woodwork denying the Portsmouth striker on the hour mark,

A poor first-touch soon after proved costly for Yengi when he had another good opportunity to increase Australia’s lead.

Bahrain then had a chance to equaliser in the 64th-minute but Ebrahim Al-Khatal’s goal-bound shot was well blocked by Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess.

However, the Bahrainis found an equaliser in the 75th minute through a spectacular 40-metre effort from Abduljabbar.

The midfielder pounced on defender Burgess’ clumsy attempt to control a long ball with a speculative strike that caught recalled goalkeeper Mat Ryan off his line as it sailed into the back of the net.

Worse to follow in the 77th minute when Abduljabbar netted from close range after a cross from Mahdi Al-Humaidan was deflected on to the post by debutant Socceroos defender Hayden Matthews.

Abduljabbar was first to the rebound, with his second of the contest putting Australia on the brink of disaster.

However, Yengi’s late goal from close range ensured the points were shared.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic made six changes to the side that started in last Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Melbourne

Captain and goalkeeper Ryan started for the first time since September’s departure of former coach Graham Arnold, replacing Joe Gauci, who had been the Socceroos’ gloveman in the first three games of Popovic’s reign as national boss.

Sydney FC’s 20-year-old defender Matthews was given his Socceroos debut, coming into the side for Melbourne Victory’s Jason Geria.

Matthews’ Sydney teammate Anthony Caceres, who made his maiden national team appearance off the bench last week, also started, being preferred to Belgium-based midfielder Aiden O’Neill.

Melbourne City skipper Aziz Behich was another of the squad’s A-League brigade given a start, with former City left-back Jordy Bos dropping back to the bench.

Further forward, Craig Goodwin returned from suspension to displace Ajdin Hrustic from the starting side, while Portsmouth attacker Yengi was given the nod at the expense of Duke.

Originally published as Socceroos draw 2-2 with Bahrain in FIFA World Cup qualifying thriller

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/socceroos-draw-22-with-bahrain-in-fifa-world-cup-qualifying-thriller/news-story/7c7c6b128a03080c139c4b2b0b25134f