(Photo courtesy of Bahrain Football Association)
The Philippine Men’s National Team conceded a 0-2 defeat to Bahrain in its away match held last night, 13 October 2012 at the Bahrain National Stadium for the 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM – Asian Qualifiers / AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019TM –Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2.
Hoping for another win against the group’s 4th ranked team, the Philippines was held to a scoreless first half despite on-target chances. Bahrain claimed its first goal on the 53rd minute from unmarked striker Ismaeel Abdulatif, and its second on the 61st minute from Sayed Adnan’s swerving free kick.
Bahrain now has 6 points while the Philippines’ draw against North Korea keeps the team in 3rd rank with 7 points. Both teams have 3 games remaining. Bahrain will still play against DPR Korea and Uzbekistan to which it lost 0-1 and 0-4 respectively, and Yemen which it beat 4-0 previously. The Philippines, meanwhile, will also still play Yemen, which it beat 2-0, Uzbekistan to which it lost 1-5, and DPR Korea which it drew 0-0.
The Philippines needs to win its remaining 3 matches to increase its chances of qualifying for the 3rd round.
On 12 November 2015, the Philippines will play its home match against Yemen at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
