BAHRAIN and Iraq claimed crucial victories last night in their second Group ‘B’ assignments in the 23rd Gulf Cup.
The Bahrainis edged past their counterparts from Yemen 1-0 while Iraq came from behind to beat defending champions Qatar 2-1 at Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium in Kuwait City.
A first-half penalty was all that was required to separate Bahrain from their Yemeni rivals. Jamal Rashid converted the spot kick, scoring for Bahrain in the second game in a row.
The national team had several chances to open the scoring in the early stages of the opening half. Their first opportunity came in as early as the second minute when an Ali Madan header in the face of goal went just wide of the right post. Nine minutes later, Mahdi Abduljabbar had a header on target that was confidently collected by Yemen goalkeeper Mohammed Ayash.
In the 15th minute, Abduljabbar hit a power volley that sailed across the face of goal and past the right upright. Ahmed Abdulla Ali also had a chance. His rocket from more than 30 yards out flew just inches clear of the top left corner of goal.
Bahrain’s efforts were finally rewarded with a penalty in the 38th minute.
Rashid stepped up to take the spot kick and he slotted home into the bottom-left corner, beating Ayash. That was enough for a 1-0 lead at the half.
Both teams had few chances in the final 45 minutes, and the Bahrainis were able to breathe a sigh of relief just three minutes before the final whistle when Yemen appeared to score an equaliser but one of their players was deemed offside.
With the result, Bahrain came away with the full three points and are now on four points in second place on the Group ‘B’ standings. Yemen, on the other hand, have been eliminated from further semi-final contention.
Also on four points and in first place in Group ‘B’ were Iraq, who came back from a single-goal deficit to beat Qatar in a thrilling encounter.
Almoez Ali opened the scoring for the Qataris with a brilliant left-footed shot in the 17th minute. Iraq then levelled the proceedings with their own long-distance shot, this time from Ali Faez Atia, who struck from more than 30 yards out. His attempt flew directly into the top left corner of goal, leaving Qatar’s Saad Al Sheeb at goal no chance.
Iraq then completed their comeback victory with a goal from Ali Husni in the 65th minute. He headed in from close range after pouncing on a cross from the right flank.
Today is a rest day with tomorrow being the last day of Group ‘A’, with Kuwait taking on the UAE and Saudi Arabia facing Oman. The final match day in Group ‘B’ on Friday will decide who will be going through to the semi-finals. Iraq face off with Yemen while Qatar take on Bahrain.
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