Talk about nail-biting finishes! 😱 In a thrilling match on Thursday, China snatched a 1-0 victory against Bahrain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers, thanks to a last-minute goal by Zhang Yuning. ⚽️🔥
Playing at Bahrain's home turf in Manama, both teams battled fiercely. This was their eighth encounter, with China previously securing three wins and four draws. The stakes were high, and the intensity was palpable from the kickoff! 🏟️
Early in the game, Zhang Yuning had a golden opportunity to put China ahead in the 11th minute, bursting into the box like a superhero on a mission. 💨 But Bahrain's goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, wasn't going to make it easy, pulling off a spectacular save. 🧤 Not long after, China faced a setback when Li Lei was injured and had to be substituted by Hu Hetao in the 19th minute. 🤕
The second half saw China ramping up the pressure. Chance after chance, they knocked on Bahrain's door, but Lutfalla seemed unbeatable, denying shots left and right, including a powerful header from Zhang in the 54th minute. 😣
Just when it seemed like the match might end in a draw, drama unfolded! Bahrain thought they'd taken the lead in the 87th minute when Ali Haram found the net, but VAR had other ideas, ruling the goal out. 🙅♂️ The tension was off the charts! 📈
Then came the magic moment. In the first minute of stoppage time, Wang Haijian delivered a pinpoint cross from the left. Zhang Yuning rose to the occasion—literally—and headed the ball home! 🥅🎯 The Chinese bench erupted in celebration as the team secured a crucial win. 🎉
This victory propels China to fourth place in Group C, level on six points with Australia and Saudi Arabia. With Japan leading the group, all eyes are now on China's next big match, hosting Japan on November 19. Mark your calendars! 📅
The journey to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA, and Mexico is heating up! The top two teams from each group will secure their tickets, while the third and fourth-placed teams will continue to fight in additional stages. It's game on! 🔥
Stay tuned for more epic football action, and keep cheering for your favorite teams! 🙌⚽️
Reference(s):
China get past Bahrain 1-0 in World Cup AFC qualifier for second win
cgtn.com
