WCQ: Socceroos escape with 2-2 draw in Bahrain
The Socceroos needed an equaliser deep into stoppage time to snatch a 2-2 draw with Bahrain in Riffa in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Australia led for a majority of the contest after going ahead in the opening minute through young forward Kusini Yengi, who came into the starting side in place of Mitch Duke.
Things seemed to be going to plan for the visitors until the 75th minute, when Bahrain substitute Mahdi Abduljabbar levelled the scores with a speculative long-range lob over Aussie goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Less than two minutes later, Abduljabbar gave the hosts the lead when he pounced on a loose ball following a deflected cross.
The scores stayed that way until the 90 minutes expired, but the Aussies were given hope when the fourth official signalled 10 minutes of injury time.
That proved critical, as it took until the 96th minute for Yengi to bag his second goal and square the ledger.
It could have been an even better night for the Portsmouth striker, who had solid chances denied by both the Bahrain keeper and the woodwork.
The result leaves Australia in second place behind runaway leaders Japan in Group C of AFC World Cup qualifying, albeit just one point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.
With the team’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup far from assured, online bookmakers have the Socceroos as $501 outsiders to lift the trophy in North America.