However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain's great progression in 2019 was reversed when it lost significant home supports (despite being designated as hosts for the remaining games) due to pandemic, as fans were barred from attending, Iran having replaced manager as well, combining the Bahrain's domestic league under frequent disruption due to the pandemic, all left Bahraini players little time to organise their team. Bahrain triumphed against Cambodia 8–0 in their first game since the pandemic began, but against an Iranian side that was entirely revamped, a Bahraini side without home support was completely demoralised, losing 0–3 in process. This defeat proved to be disastrous for Bahrain, as their 4–0 victory over Hong Kong was too little, too late, due to Iran prevailing 1–0 over Iraq in the final game. Team image Rivalries Qatar Bahrain has a major rivalry against Qatar due to historical tension between the two countries. Through 39 matches played between the teams, Bahrain has an overall positive performance against Qatar, winning eleven matches, lost eight matches while nineteen matches ended in a draw. Kit providers Results and fixtures Matches in the last 12 months, and future scheduled matches 2022 2023 Current staff Coaching history Caretaker managers are listed in italics. Jassim Al-Maawada and Abdul-Salam Alam (1966) Hamada El-Sharqawi (1970–1974) Danny McLennan (1974–1975) Adnan Ayoub and Khalifa AlHamdan (1975) Jack Mansell (1976) Mal Thompson and Michael Gorman (1979) Ljubiša Broćić (1979–1981) Farouq Ahmed Ali (1981) Sebastião Pereira de Araújo (1982–1984, 1992–1993) Keith Burkinshaw (1984–1986) Robbie Stepney (1986–1987) Abdelmajid Chetali (1988) Mohamed Al-Arabi Al-Zouaui (1988) Uli Maslo (1990–1992) Adnan Ayoub (1992) Ivan Katalinić (1994) Victor Stănculescu (1995–1996) Fuad Boshqar (1996) Josef Hickersberger (1997) Ernesto Rosa Guedes (1998) Alexandru Moldovan (1999) Salman Sharida (2000) Wolfgang Sidka (2001–2002, 2005) Yves Herbet (2003) Srećko Juričić (2003–2005) Luka Peruzović (2005–2006) Riyadh Al-Thawadi (2006) Hans-Peter Briegel (2006–2007) Senad Kreso (2007) Milan Máčala (2008–2010) Josef Hickersberger (2010) Marjan Eid (2010) Salman Sharida (2010–2011) Peter Taylor (2011–2012) Gabriel Calderón (2012–2013) Anthony Hudson (2013–2014) Adnan Hamad (2014) Marjan Eid (2014–2015) Sergio Batista (2015–2016) Miroslav Soukup (2016–2019) Hélio Sousa (2019–present) Players Current squad The following players were called up for the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. Match dates: 6 – 19 January 2023 Opposition: , and Caps and goals correct as of: 18 November 2022, after the match against Recent call-ups The following players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months. INJ Withdrew