Bangladesh beat Bahrain 2–1 on Friday to maintain their lead in Group A of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in China. Goals from Bayzit and Manik in the second half secured the victory and kept Bangladesh in contention for qualification, with only one team advancing from the group.
Bangladesh now have 12 points from four matches. However, China, who have a superior goal difference, are on 9 points with a game in hand and will play Sri Lanka later on Friday evening. Their result will determine whether the final group match between Bangladesh and China becomes a direct decider for qualification.
Bangladesh made a strong start, showing attacking intent from the outset. They created several chances in the first half but failed to convert. Rifat missed two one-on-one opportunities in the 20th and 28th minutes.
In the 34th minute, the Bangladeshi goalkeeper produced a crucial save before defender Kamal cleared a follow-up attempt off the line to keep the scores level. The team earned multiple free kicks and corner kicks in the first half but could not find the breakthrough.
Bangladesh continued to press after the break. In the 47th minute, a good cross from Manik found Rifat, but his effort was denied by the Bahrain goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when a long throw from Sabbir caused trouble for the Bahrain defence. The ball fell to Bayzit, who struck a clean finish to put Bangladesh ahead.
Rifat was denied again in the 65th minute in another one-on-one situation, with the goalkeeper making the save. Bayzit tried to follow up, but the keeper gathered the ball.
Bangladesh doubled their lead in the 72nd minute. Faysal delivered an excellent pass to Manik, who controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful long-range strike. It was considered one of the best goals in the group stage.
Bangladesh continued to create chances, with Faysal crossing to Rifat in the 68th minute, only for the goalkeeper to intervene once more.
Bahrain pulled a goal back in the 85th minute through Hossain Zubair, but Bangladesh held firm to protect their lead. The goalkeeper contributed with several saves during the match.
Bangladesh will now prepare for their final and potentially decisive group fixture against China.
