Qatar will host Bahrain in their opening match of the Gulf Cup of Nations group stage on Thursday, September 24. The game at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium comes as the team looks to improve on a recent run of poor results.
The national team's head coach will be aiming to break a disappointing sequence. In their last five matches, Qatar have failed to win, drawing 1-1 with Switzerland and 0-0 with El Salvador, while losing 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland, 6-0 to Canada, and most recently 3-1 away to Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 24.
Current Standing
The immediate focus is now on a strong start in the regional Gulf Cup to rebuild momentum.
Opponents Bahrain also arrive with an unconvincing recent record, having not won in their last five outings either. Their results include losses to Saudi Arabia (2-0) and Japan (2-0), and draws with Australia (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0). This sets the stage for a clash where both sides are desperate for a first victory in some time.
With kick-off approaching, focus will be on Qatar's midfield and defence to plug the gaps that saw them concede ten goals in their last three matches alone. The match begins at 18:00 UTC.
