Saudi Arabia were among the high-profile Asian teams that struggled in third-round openers last week in continental World Cup qualifying. The Saudis were held 1-1 by Indonesia, the lowest-ranked of the six teams in Group C.
"We have had problems capitalising on opportunities, which have been evident in the last few games," Mancini said ahead of Tuesday's crucial match in China.
With most clubs in the Saudi Pro League using their full quota of 10 foreign imports, Mancini, who left his job as head coach of Italy a year ago to join Saudi Arabia's national team, has complained that local players are not getting enough action.
"Saudi Arabia's national team players must participate as core players with their clubs," he said.
"I have 20 players sitting on the bench in local matches."
HIGHLIGHTS | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 1�⃣-1�⃣ Indonesia 🇮🇩— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) Relive this thrilling Group C clash in Jeddah! Match Report 🔗 https://t.co/ApYDtcsw9E #AsianQualifiers | #KSAvIDN pic.twitter.com/rCKCI5vlZQSeptember 6, 2024
Australia's attempt to qualify for a sixth successive World Cup tournament were damaged by a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain at home.
The Socceroos face a relatively short trip to Jakarta to face a much-improved Indonesia squad that will be supported by 78,000 fans.
"We are not afraid of anyone and we are looking forward to the challenge," Indonesia's South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong said.
The early pacesetters in Group C meet when Bahrain hosts Japan, who opened with a thumping 7-0 win over China.
The 18 teams in the third round of qualification have been divided into three groups of six. The top two from each automatically qualify for the World Cup. The teams that place third and fourth will advance to a fourth round to compete for two more places.
Japan players head back to halfway after one of their goals against China in Saitama. (AP PHOTO)
In Group B, South Korea also started with a disappointing result, a 0-0 draw with Palestine in Seoul. Led by Premier League stars Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan as well as Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in, South Korea travel to Muscat to face Oman, who lost 1-0 to Iraq.
"We weren't able to play at a high tempo and I am sure fans were disappointed with that," Son said.
"The fact that pitch conditions are better for away matches is a shame, but I also think it's fortunate for us at the same time."
The Palestinians will play Jordan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as they are unable to host games at home. Jordan had a 1-1 draw with Kuwait in their opening game and next face Iraq, the only team in the group to win.
In Group A, United Arab Emirates won 3-1 in Qatar and this week host Iran, also with three points already on the board after beating Kyrgyzstan 1-0. Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts who have never qualified for the tournament, will take on North Korea.
