Manama: Bahrain coach Gabriel Calderon hailed his side’s 1-0 win over Qatar at the National Stadium on Friday as a major boost for confidence, as they progressed to the semi-finals.
The hosts qualified second from Group A below unbeaten UAE, with four points, after one draw, a loss and Friday’s win. They now, barring any surprises in the final matches of Group B, face Iraq in the semi-finals at the National Stadium on Tuesday from 8.45pm.
Fawzi Aaish put Bahrain ahead from the penalty spot after 20 minutes when Abdullah Marzouq’s header from a cross hit the arm of Qatar’s Mesaad Ali.
In reply, Qatar could only hit the crossbar on the half-hour after Andres Sebastian rounded everyone and misfired with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Bahrain’s Mohammad Hussain also hit the woodwork with a header on the hour and Sami Mohammad even had a goal ruled offside towards the end, but Qatar never made the Bahrainis pay for their many missed opportunities.
Calderon said: “Congratulations to all the players. We controlled the match today and we tried for the best quality. Our team played very well and I am very happy for the country, the team and the people.
“This win is very important for the player’s confidence. Now we have very strong matches remaining and we must continue to work hard for wins.
“All matches are like a final and the team will go for its maximum in these last games.”
Of the prospect of drawing Iraq in the semi-finals, Calderon added: “We have big respect for the Iraqi team. But all teams playing in the semi-finals can win. In any 90 minutes, any team can win against the other.”
