RIYADH, Sept 9 - Bahrain scored in the last minute
of stoppage time to beat Saudi Arabia on the away goals rule in
their Asian World Cup playoff on Wednesday.
Bahrain advanced to a final playoff against Oceania
champions New Zealand after substitute Ismaeel Latif's last-gasp
goal secured a 2-2 draw following their scoreless draw in Manama
at the weekend.
Saudi Arabia took an early lead when Nassir Al Shamrani
scored in the 13th minute but Bahrain equalised just before
halftime through their Nigerian-born striker Jaycee John.
The Saudis, who were bidding for their fifth straight
appearance in the World Cup finals, looked to have stolen the
match when Hamad Al Montashari scored in the first minute of
stoppage time only for their Gulf neighbours to find a second
equaliser.
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.
Bahrain are bidding to qualify for the first time after
losing a playoff to Trinidad & Tobago four years ago.
They were given a second chance to progress this time after
finishing third in their Asian qualifying group behind Australia
and Japan, who qualified automatically.
Saudi Arabia finished third in their group behind North and
South Korea, who also qualified from Asia.
(Reporting by Julian Linden in Sydney; Editing by Clare
Fallon; To query or comment on this story email
sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)