Bahrain host Kyrgyzstan on Thursday (October 12) at Al Ahly Stadium in Manama for a friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Bahrain, ranked 86th in the world, will begin their quest for a first appearance in soccer’s top competition next month when they face either Yemen or Sri Lanka in Group H.
The UAE and the winner of the first round match between Nepal and Laos will also be included in the second round group.
Bahrain will also participate in the Asian Cup after qualifying for the final in Qatar in January. The Reds will advance to the group stage alongside South Korea, Malaysia and Jordan.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan will also participate in next year’s Qatar tournament in the same group as Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The White Falcons played just one game in September, winning 3-1 against Kuwait in Dubai. Ammar Abdullah’s goal put the Gulf nations ahead, but a goal from Gurzigit Alikulov and a brace from Joel Kodjo leveled the score.
Stefan Tarkovic’s side will be hoping to build on this win with World Cup qualifiers against Malaysia and Oman next month.
Bahrain vs Kyrgyzstan match and important numbers
- Bahrain have never lost to Kyrgyzstan in their previous six matches, winning five.
- This will be the first meeting between the two teams since Bahrain won 4-2 in a friendly in June 2021.
- Kyrgyzstan has won just twice in six international matches this year: a 3-0 win over Afghanistan in the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup and a 3-1 win over Kuwait in a friendly.
- Bahrain have won only one of their last six international matches, a 1-0 win over Syria in March.
- Bahrain is ranked 86th in the world, while Kyrgyzstan is a further 10 places behind.
Bahrain vs Kyrgyzstan predictions
Bahrain will be confident of their chances given their impressive record against Kyrgyzstan, but they haven’t been in the best form this year. The White Falcons have a chance and could get their first win in this match.
prediction: Bahrain 1-2 Kyrgyzstan
Bahrain vs Kyrgyzstan betting tips
Tip 1 – Result: Kyrgyzstan
Tip 2 – Aim for more than/less than 2.5: More than 2.5
Tip 3 – Both teams score: Yes