Defending champions Iraq secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Yemen, while Bahrain stunned Saudi Arabia 3-2 in Group B matches of the Arabian Gulf Cup at Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Stadium in Kuwait City.
Iraq’s lone goal came in the 65th minute through striker Aymen Hussein, earning the Lions of Mesopotamia crucial three points. Iraq dominated the game, consistently pressing for an early lead but were unable to capitalise with Yemen’s well-organised defence holding firm.In the 35th minute, Iraq came close when Ibrahim Bayesh dribbled past multiple defenders and unleashed a powerful shot that Yemen’s goalkeeper Mohammed Aman saved.
The second half saw Iraq intensify their efforts, continuing to test Yemen’s defence. In the 62nd minute, Ali Jassim fired a strong shot, but Aman was again up to the challenge. The breakthrough came just three minutes later. Hussein, the top scorer of the previous Gulf Cup, headed in a perfectly timed cross from Amjad Atwan, beating Aman to give Iraq the lead.
Yemen pushed for an equaliser in the final stages, creating a few half-chances, but Iraq’s defence held firm to secure the win.
Later, Bahrain secured a thrilling win over Saudi. Bahrain led by two goals at half time thanks to strikes from Mahdi Abdul Jabbar in the 19th minute and Mahdi al-Humaidan in the 37th minute.
Musab al-Juwair scored a goal to reduce the deficit for Saudi in the 73rd minute, but Mohammed Marhoon scored Bahrain’s third goal in the 76th minute. Saleh al-Shehri then scored another for Saudi with a penalty in 86th minute but the Green Falcons could not force an equaliser.
Iraq’s Aymen Hussein celebrates scoring against Yemen.
