Isa Town: Bahrain's buildup to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 received another boost as they defeated DPR Korea 4-0 in an international friendly at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium on Saturday.



Bahrain, who will play hosts UAE in the opening match of the Continental showpiece on January 5, took the lead through Mohammed Al Romaihi in the ninth minute.

Ahmad Jumaa doubled Bahrain's advantage in the 35th minute.

Jamal Rashed added the third for Bahrain, who defeated Lebanon 1-0 in a friendly on December 26, in the 65th minute before Kameel Al Aswad sealed an emphatic win for Miroslav Soukup's side just a minute later.



The win was Bahrain's third on the trot, having beaten Tajikistan 5-0 in a friendly on December 20 and they will head to UAE 2019 confident of making a mark.

After UAE, Bahrain will play Thailand on January 10 and India five days later in their bid to advance to the knockout stage in their fifth consecutive AFC Asian Cup appearance, with their best finish being fourth place in 2004.

DPR Korea, who will play in Group E, open their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaign against three-time champions Saudi Arabia on January 8. They will then face Qatar on January 13 and Lebanon four days later.

Photo: Bahrain Football Association


Source: the-afc.com