Bahrain's Ismaeel Abdulatif scored a remarkable four goals as his side thrashed India 5-2 yesterday to stay in contention for an Asian Cup last-eight berth and consign the Indians to elimination.


India's Sunil Chhetri is tackled by Bahrain's Hamad al-Anezi during an
Asian Cup match in Doha. India lost 2-5. Pics/AFP

The 24-year-old forward scored three times in just 19 minutes in a devastating first-half spell, after Faouzi Aaish's penalty had been cancelled out by India midfielder Gouramangi Singh.

Sunil Chhetri pulled another goal back for India early in the second half, but after Aaish had been sent off, Abdulatif scored his fourth goal with 13 minutes remaining to kill off any hopes of an Indian comeback.

Following their narrow 2-1 loss to South Korea, Bahrain's win moves them to within a point of Group C co-leaders Australia and the Koreans, who drew 1-1 earlier in the day, with one match remaining.

Salman Sharida's side must beat heavyweights Australia in their final group game on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals, but the Socceroos will require just a point to go through at Bahrain's expense.