Both sides were eager to get their respective campaigns back on track after disappointing results on Matchday Three, with Saudi Arabia going down 2-0 to Japan, while Bahrain had to fight back to earn a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Indonesia.

Firas Al Brikan almost put Saudi Arabia ahead in the third minute when he cut across from the centre of the box, firing a low shot which was saved by Bahrain keeper Ebrahim Lutfallah.

Saudi Arabia dominated the match and their persistence saw them earn a penalty after Marwan Al Sahafi was fouled inside the area. 

Salem Al Dawsari stepped up to take the free-kick but to the dismay of the Saudi Arabia captain, Lutfallah guessed the right way to keep the tie level.

Both sides had opportunities in the remaining minutes of the half, with Rayan Hamed and Al Dawsari failing to find the target with efforts from outside the box, while Sayed Dhiya, Komail Al Aswad and Abdulla Al Khalassy could not utilise their opportunities for Bahrain. 

The chances in the second half were few and far between with Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Radif coming close on two occasions from inside the area.

Saudi Arabia had a late penalty claim overruled after Al Dawsari clashed with Lutfallah as the sides had to be satisfied with a share of the points, with Bahrain ending the match with 10 players after Sayed Hashim Isa had to go off injured with all substitutions already made.

Saudi Arabia face Australia  next while Bahrain meet China PR, with both matches to be played on November 14.