Gulf Cup: Saudi Arabia qualify for semifinals after convincing win over Iraq

Saudi Arabia advanced to the semi-finals of the 26th Gulf Cup, with a 3-1 victory over defending champions Iraq in their Group B match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

The other Group B game saw Yemen record their first-ever Gulf Cup victory, defeating already-qualified Bahrain 2-1. The results meant that despite the defeat, Bahrain went through as group winners with six points, prevailing on a better head-to-head record over Saudi Arabia, who also finished with the same tally. Bahrain will now face hosts Kuwait, while Saudi Arabia take on Oman, in the semifinals.

Saudi Arabia’s thrilling win over Iraq was powered by captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who converted a penalty in the 57th minute, and substitute Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who netted twice in the 81st and 86th minutes. Iraq’s lone goal came from Mohanad Ali in the 64th minute.

The match began with Iraq launching an aggressive attacking effort, seeking to gain an early lead. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia focused on defensive stability and quick counter-attacks. In the 9th minute, Ibrahim Bayesh delivered a precise cross into the box, but it went unmet.

Saudi Arabia responded with a swift counter-attack led by Al-Dawsari, who passed to Musab Al-Juwayr. The latter advanced down the right flank and unleashed a powerful shot that narrowly missed the post in the 15th minute.

Iraq continued their attacking efforts, creating several chances, but none were successful, leaving the first half goalless.

In the second half, the exchange of attacks persisted. Saudi Arabia earned a penalty after a VAR review, which Al-Dawsari calmly converted in the 57th minute to give his side the lead.

Iraq quickly responded, equalising in the 64th minute. Amjad Attwan set up Ayman Hussein, who then passed to Mohanad Ali. Ali kept his cool to find enough space to strike a low shot into the net past Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.

Following Iraq’s equaliser, Saudi Arabia mounted a strong reaction, applying constant pressure. Substitute Abdullah Al-Hamdan found the goal they were looking for, firing a powerful shot into the top corner to restore Saudi Arabia’s lead in the 81st minute.

Al-Hamdan added a third goal in the 86th minute, capitalising on a precise through pass from Al-Dawsari. He surged into the penalty area and struck the ball into the bottom left corner past Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to conclude the 3-1 victory, sparking wild celebrations in the Saudi crowd.