Bahrain now eye New Zealand in final WC qualifier

Bahrain will take on New Zealand in a two-legged World Cup qualifier after defeating Saudi Arabia on away goals.

Following a 0-0 draw in Manama on the weekend, Bahrain twice came from behind to record a 2-2 draw in Riyadh last night.

In a dramatic finish, scores were 1-1 (with Bahrain leading on the away goals rule) into stoppage time before Saudi Arabia’s Nigerian-born striker Jaycee John put the home side ahead.

It looked certain that Saudi Arabia would go through to meet New Zealand in the final qualifying stage but Bahrain’s Ismaeel Latif produced a last-gasp goal to send his nation through.

“We were lucky to score in the last minute but we really deserve to reach the World Cup finals,” Bahrain coach Milan Macala told reporters.

“Now we will start thinking about preparing for our next game and I hope to see Bahrain in the World Cup finals.”

Bahrain will play New Zealand over two legs in October and November with the winner qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.