Ahmed scores twice as Bahrain edges North Korea 2-1 in qualifying

AP - Husain Ali Ahmed scored twice Friday to lift Bahrain to a 2-1 win over host North Korea in Asian World Cup qualifying.

Ahmed opened the scoring early at Kim Il Sung Stadium in the North Korean capital Pyongyang with a header from in front of the North's goal off a quick cross pass in the seventh minute.

He scored again in the 58th, beating North Korean goalkeeper Kim Myong Gil to his right from inside the penalty area.

North Korea's Pak Song Kwan came back with a header from in front of Bahrain's net in the 62nd minute.

The hosts failed to score again despite keeping Bahrain on the defensive throughout the game, as goaltender Ali Hassan and the Bahraini defense repeatedly turned back the sustained Korean attack.

The win is Bahrain's first in Group B play, after playing Iran earlier to a scoreless tie.

North Korea lost its previous qualifying match 2-1 to Japan after a goal scored in injury time.