FIFA Arab Cup: Bahrain hold on against 10-man Djibouti

2025 FIFA Arab Cup qualifying continued on Wednesday with Djibouti falling to Bahrain by a 0-1 score in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Mohamed Al Romaihi’s first half goal was enough for the Gulf nation to progress to the final tournament that will begin on December 1 in Qatar. A red card issued to Djibouti defender Ahmed Zakaria soon after left the chances of a comeback highly unlikely for the East African nation.

It was a battle between two teams accustomed to defending, which became clear over the course of the match. However, it was the African nation that blinked first when a Bahraini long ball fell to Mohamed Marhoon on the right wing. Marhoon’s cross bounced right in front of Djibouti goalkeeper Moktar Youssouf Said, who spilled the ball right to Al Romaihi for an easy finish and the only goal of the match in the 35th minute.

Unable to do much on the attacking end with a numerical disadvantage, Djibouti put in a valiant effort but could not find a way past the strong defense of their opponents. Bahrain showed little quality themselves and were content to defend their lead.

With the victory, Bahrain will participate in Group D alongside Algeria, Iraq and either Lebanon or Sudan who face off later on Wednesday in qualifying.

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