FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN barged into the semi-finals last night of the Gulf Cup for Veteran Players 2026, currently being played in Doha, Qatar.
The kingdom’s squad secured their berth following a resounding 4-0 victory against Yemen at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium in the Qatari capital.
The result was their first win in Group B of the tournament’s preliminary round as the nationals improved to four points – tied with the UAE but with a superior goal difference. The Emiratis bowed to the host Qataris 0-2 in yesterday’s other divisional clash, allowing Bahrain to march through.
The Bahrainis are set to take on Group A winners Saudi Arabia in the last four at 5.30pm this evening. The Saudis topped their pool after beating runners-up Iraq 1-0 yesterday.
The other semis clash will be between Qatar and Iraq, also tonight, kicking off at 7pm.
The winners will then lock horns in the final on Thursday.
Husain Ali netted a brace last night to help spearhead Bahrain in their big win. He scored on either side of the break in the ninth and 28th minutes. His first followed a stunning opening goal by skipper Talal Yusuf on a free-kick in the fourth minute, while Mahmood Abdulrahman gave the nationals a 3-0 lead heading into the half with an impressive strike from outside the penalty box in the 13th minute.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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