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Defending champions Bahrain suffered a tough 0-2 loss against Qatar this evening in the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Hassan Al Haydos in the second half gave the Qataris the victory, as both teams were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the Group B clash, played at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
Sporting their all-new white kits for the first time, the Bahrainis put up a gallant fight, although created only a few chances to score.
They fell behind in the 61st minute when Khoukhi headed in from the left of goal off a well-timed assist delivered by skipper Akram Afaf on a set piece.
Qatar's Ahmed Fathy was then the first to be given his marching orders after a harsh foul on Bahrain's Abbas Al Asfoor in the 70th minute, earning him his second booking of the contest.
But the Bahrainis could not capitalise on their man advantage, and then a minute before the final whistle, Al Asfoor was sent off after bringing down Qatar’s Hassan Al Haydos as he charged towards the box for a one-on-one with Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfhallah.
That earned them a penalty, and Al Haydos coolly converted his spot kick as Qatar secured the full three points.
Bahrain are back in action on Sunday when they face off with the UAE at 9pm, Bahrain time, at the same venue.
More in tomorrow's GDN and online.
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