Branko Ivankovic’s side, who opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Iraq before falling to a 2-1 defeat against Qatar, took the lead against Bahrain through a Rabia Al-Alawi header going into the break.

Arshad Al Alawi was the star of the show in the second half, heading home the second goal in the 50th minute before turning provider to lay on the third strike for Khalid Al Hajri.  

Head coach Felix Sanchez made nine changes to the Qatar side that defeated Oman on Matchday Two and they struggled to find the back of the net against Iraq as the score remained 0-0 at half-time.

That changed in the second half as substitutes Akram Afif, Almoez Ali and Hassan Al Haydos all came on to score late fine goals within two minutes of each other to send the hosts through with an impressive, unblemished record.