Bahrain line up Saudi friendly

The game is part of a two-match tune-up for the Milan Macala-led Bahrainis who face Australia on November 19 in a crucial match. Saudi Arabia host Korea Republic on the same day.

Before playing Saudi, Bahrain go up against Azerbaijan on October 15.

"We have a long list of possible opponents that we have contacted, however only Saudi and Azerbaijan have so far replied to us," team manager Hassan Khalfan told the media, hinting at more matches to come.

Bahrain suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Japanese at home before clinching a 1-1 away draw against Qatar.

They currently have just one point and are fourth behind Qatar, Japan, and Australia, and ahead of the Uzbeks in Group A.