FOOTBALL – Bahrain lost to Iraq 0-1 last night in their opening match of the AGCFF Gulf Cup U-20 2025, currently being played in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Falih Hassan scored the game’s lone goal for the Iraqis in the 53rd minute.
He tapped the ball in from close range off a cross delivered by teammate Yasser Wissam from the right of the penalty box.
The Bahrainis, coached by the kingdom’s former international player Ali Amer, had a few chances to score, but were unlucky not to find the net.
Their best opportunity came three minutes after the hour-mark on a one-on-one with opposing goalkeeper Sajjad Mohammed, but he made a fine save.
The match was part of yesterday’s Group B schedule in the competition’s preliminary round.
In the other divisional clash, Oman defeated Egypt 2-0 to make a winning start.
Group A features Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, and hosts Saudi Arabia.
The Bahrainis will be looking to bounce back when they take on their Omani counterparts on Monday at 7pm.
They then complete their group stage schedule against the Egyptians on Thursday at 4.30pm.
Both times are Bahrain.
Following a single round-robin, the top two teams from each pool will move on to the semi-finals, scheduled for September 7.
The final will then be held on September 10 at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City stadium, scheduled for a 4.30pm kick-off.
All times are Bahrain.
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