Indonesia beat Bahrain 2-1 in Asian Cup qualifier

JAKARTA, July 10 (Reuters) Indonesia forward Bambang Pamungkas's second-half strike gave the Asian Cup co-hosts a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in a lively Group D opener today.

The home team struck in the 14th minute after midfielder Firman Utina threaded a defence-splitting pass through to Budi Sudarsono, who chested the ball beyond the goalkeeper and slotted home from inside the penalty area.

Bahrain drew level in the 27th minute after a cross from the right ricocheted off several players before Sayed Mahmood Jalal tapped in from close range.

But Pamungkas, who had troubled the visitors with his trickery around the box, sealed Indonesia's win 18 minutes into the second half when he blasted home a rebound after the Bahrain keeper could only parry a ferocious Utina shot onto the post.

South Korea and Saudi Arabia are the other teams in the group.

Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are also co-hosting the tournament with the final taking place in Jakarta on July 29.

REUTERS TB PM2011