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Sports Reporter
Aziz goal keeps Bahrain in race
Sports Reporter
A brilliant header from captain Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh steered Bahrain to a solitary goal win over Cambodia in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament at Bangabandhu National Stadium in the capital yesterday.
By virtue of this win Bahrain have brightened their chance to qualify into the semifinal.
In the keenly contested match, both Bahrain and Cambodia, enjoyed the ball possession almost evenly but the latter produced better opportunities.
Cambodia, who started the match with only option to win the match to stay in the race, launched a strong attack in the early minute. But a Chanrasmey Sok thunderbolt from the box was brilliantly saved by Bahrain goalkeeper Mahboob Al Doseri, who also denied another two good attempts in the second half.
However, Bahrain, who took time to live up, getting rid of the early scare and took the lead on 11th minute with captain Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh stunned all with a brilliant header on a Al Shaikh right side corner kick (1-0).
After taking the lead Bahrain put Cambodia under pressure when they looked very disciplined and playing with good passing football. They came closer to double the advantage on 41st minute but Jasim Al Shaikh, who paved the way for the first goal failed to beat Cambodian keeper Sari Ruth Um in one and one position.
The initial stage of the second half was also under Cambodian control while they opened a scoring space first and could have got the equaliser.
