BAHRAIN has become the first country to win an all-international soccer match in Ballarat.
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It wasn’t pretty, but the host outfit ground out a 1-0 victory in the friendly over Jordan at Morshead Park on Sunday night.
The win marks the completion of Bahrain’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup, with the side now two from two for practice matches after dispatching Saudi Arabia 4-1 in Geelong last
week. It took until the 84th minute for Bahrain to register the win, which number 12 Aaish Faouzi did in sensational fashion when he found the back of the net with a curling 25-metre free kick from a tight angle.
Until then, Jordan looked the more dangerous side, dominating possession in the first half but blowing multiple opportunities.
Bahrain emerged from the break looking a more resilient team, and used the tailwind to generate several opportunities of its own in the second half.
Despite an uneventful and often fruitless midfield slog dominating the match, the night wasn’t without its moments.
Technical difficulties saw neither team’s national anthem played pre-match, while tempers flared in the second half, resulting in plenty of grappling between members of both sides.
The physical affair saw plenty of forced substitutions, and Bahrain Football Association vice-president Ali Ahmed Al Buainain said post match that an emphasis would be placed on player management in the coming days.
“The difficulty is now in team readiness for individuals and as a group,” he said.
“The second match is always difficult to win and Jordan is a very good team and very tough.
“This was the last prep match for them and they were willing to give the maximum efficiency of their team.
“Up to this stage, yes (the team is ready for the Asian Cup).”
Back the Bid and Ballarat Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith described the match as a great spectacle for Ballarat, and said more than 2000 onlookers were present on the night.
“It really is a great night, not just for football in Ballarat but for Ballarat itself,” he said.
“Just over 2000 people here to see a quality match between two international teams.”
Bahrain will train in Ballarat on Monday and Tuesday before departing for Melbourne on Wednesday.
Its first match will be against Iran on January 11 at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au