International friendly wrap: North Korea win, Saudi Arabia held

North Korea defeated Bahrain 1-0 in international friendly action on Tuesday, while Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Angola.

Victory over Bahrain means North Korea have two consecutive wins to their name ahead of their opening Asian Cup match against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

In-Chol Cho’s side beat tournament hosts Qatar 1-0 in their penultimate warm-up on Saturday and they repeated the trick against Bahrain.

Rimyongsu forward An Chol-Hyok scored the game’s only goal a minute before the hour mark at the Stad al-Bahrayn al-Watani.

Drawn against the UAE, Iran and Asian Cup holders Iraq, North Korea – who featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – will be one of the favourites to progress from Group D.

Bahrain have now won just once in their last seven matches and will be hard pressed to progress from a group that includes Asian Football Confederation powerhouses South Korea and Australia.

Saudi Arabia’s draw with Angola means Jose Peseiro’s side have drawn one, lost one and won one in three warm-up friendlies for the Asian Cup.

They will be put to the test in a group that includes Japan and Syria but, after reaching the final of the Gulf Cup in December 2010, will hold out hope of a surprise.