Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manama: Singapore were indebted to goalkeeper Hassan Sunny as V. Sundramoorthy’s side made a positive start to their bid to secure a place at just a second AFC Asian Cup after holding Bahrain to a goalless draw in Tuesday’s 2019 qualifier.
Singapore, having finished third in the previous round in a group that included Japan and Syria, made their only AFC Asian Cup appearance as hosts in 1984.
And having been drawn in Group E that also includes Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei, a point from their trip to Bahrain National Stadium represents good start for V. Sundramoorthy’s side after their goalkeeper made a superb double save from Ahmed Ali Mohamed and Ismaeel Abdulatif with 17 minutes remaining.
Chances were at a premium in the Group E opener as both sides looked to make a positive start after Turkmenistan beat Chinese Taipei 3-1 on Sunday.
After a tight opening 45 minutes, the home side created the first real chance a minute before the hour mark as second half substitute Abdulatif, who scored four goals for Bahrain in their 5-2 win over India at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, sent his first-time effort from a cross wide.
That spurred Singapore into action and the visitors went close to a breakthrough five minutes later as Muhammad Nizam made his way into the penalty area having combined well with Muhammad Yasir, only to shoot past the post
And it was Bahrain who had the best chance to claim all three points as they seek to qualify for a fourth consecutive AFC Asian Cup as Mohamed’s shot in the 73rd minute was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Sunny, who then remained alert to deny Abdulatif as the striker followed up.