The Portuguese made history when he led them to maiden Gulf Cup title in Qatar last December.
MANAMA (Bahrain): Bahrain coach Helio Sousa exuded confidence his team will do well at the international competitions.
The Portuguese was appointed as head coach in March 2019, but the decision got a lukewarm reception from the country’s fans.
Sousa had not previously coached a senior national team or worked outside of Portugal.
However, these concerns dissipated four months later when Bahrain topped their group at the 2019 West Asian Championship after defeating Jordan and Kuwait and drawing with Saudi Arabia. They then triumphed over hosts Iraq in the final en route to their maiden regional title.
“I quickly got to know all of them at the training camp we had in Portugal in July right before the tournament,” said Sousa. “I didn’t have enough time to assess their capabilities fully, but we managed to win the West Asian Football Federation title after less than two months working with them. That’s a big achievement in itself.”
After their triumph in Iraq, Bahrain brought their fine form into the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, most notably in their 1-0 defeat of Islamic Republic of Iran, who sat 23rd in the FIFA World Ranking in October 2019.
That victory moved Bahrain up to second place in Group C behind front-runners Iraq, who drew with Bahrain twice and are well positioned to progress to the final qualifying round after going unbeaten in their opening five games.
Not only has Sousa guided Bahrain to good results in the Asian Qualifiers, but the Portuguese made history when he led them to their maiden Gulf Cup title thanks to a series of impressive results at last December’s edition in Qatar.
Drawn in a tough group alongside holders Oman, a Saudi Arabia side under the vastly-experienced Frenchman Herve Renard, and record Gulf Cup title winners Kuwait, Bahrain made the semi-finals after drawing with Oman, losing to Saudi Arabia and defeating Kuwait.
In the last four, Bahrain overcame Iraq in a penalty shoot-out before avenging Saudi Arabia in the final, when Mohammed Al Rumaihi scored the only goal of the game. This win marked Sousa’s second title after less than 10 months in the job. (Source: AFC)
