Saudi held, Bahrain lose to DPRK

AFC – RIYADH/MANAMA, AFC Asian Cup teams continued their preparations without let even as the countdown clock ticked towards the big kickoff on January 7.

Saudi Arabia eked out a goalless draw against Angola while Bahrain suffered a blow after losing to DPR Korea 1-0.

The Saudi-Angola match ended with nerves frayed all around that led to the referee brandishing the dreaded red to an Angolan player. However, the draw would have been little consolation to coach Jose Peseiro as the Sons of the Desert gear up for their AFC Asian Cup opener against Syria on January 9.

Bahrain were outplayed by the Koreans at the Bahrain National Stadium with Chol Hyok scoring the only goal of the match in the 59th minute.

While Bahrain open their AFC Asian Cup campaign on 10 January against Korea Republic, it will be the UAE for DPR Korea a day later.