Match Report
Level on 2 points, Bahrain U23 (2nd) and Thailand U23 (3rd) met as equals in the table. Bahrain U23 had been under-performing their position — 14th on five-round form against 2nd in the table.
Level finishes had become the habit for Bahrain U23: three in a row. Thailand U23 had not lost in 7 games, having scored in 8 consecutive games. Over the last five, Bahrain U23 had taken 3 of 15 points to Thailand U23's 13.
Z. Sayyodjon officiated: 5 games logged, averaging 2.4 yellow cards each. Stade René Gaillard in Niort, capacity 10,406, hosted the game. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Bahrain U23 led 1-0 at the break, before 1 more goal closed it at 1-1.