High drama hits Socceroos match after just 38 seconds as Aussies barely avoid World Cup disaster against Bahrain

A stoppage-time equaliser from Kusini Yengi has saved the Socceroos from complete disaster in Riffa against Bahrain.

Leading 1-0 deep into the second-half, the Australians conceded twice in the space of two minutes through a brace from Bahrain substitute Mahdi Abduljabbar before Yengi’s second goal of the contest ensured the FIFA World Cup qualifier finished in a 2-2 draw.

The point moved the Socceroos into second spot, nine points behind Group C leaders Japan, in the third-round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.

However, second place, which brings with it automatic qualification to the 2026 World remains well and truly up for grabs, with four teams – Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China – only one point behind Australia.

While the draw was better than nothing, the Socceroos should have put the game to bed before Bahrain’s second-half fightback.

The visitors made a dream start, going ahead after just 38 seconds through Yengi.

Kusini Yengi scored after just 38 seconds of play – then netted again in the 95th minute to rescue his team

Coach Tony Popovic had plenty to be upset about as his team almost blew it against a side ranked 52 spots below them on the world table

Called into the starting side at the expense of veteran marksman Mitch Duke, Yengi pounced on a weak back pass from Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer before rounding goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla and guiding the ball into the back of the net.

Yengi should have doubled Australia’s lead in the 24th minute after being fed by midfielder Riley McGree but he was foiled by Lutfalla.

Chances continued to fall Yengi’s way, with the woodwork denying the Portsmouth striker on the hour mark.

A poor first-touch soon after proved costly for Yengi when he had another good opportunity to increase Australia’s lead.

Bahrain then had a chance to equalise in the 64th-minute but Ebrahim Al-Khatal’s goal-bound shot was well blocked by Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess.

However, the Bahrainis found an equaliser in the 75th minute through a spectacular 40-metre effort from Abduljabbar.

The midfielder pounced on defender Burgess’ clumsy attempt to control a long ball with a speculative strike that caught recalled goalkeeper Mat Ryan off his line as it sailed into the back of the net.