Qatar gain close win over Bahrain

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By Saeed Al-Hilal, Arab News Staff
Publication Date: 
Thu, 2002-01-24 03:00

RIYADH, 18 January — Qatar scored a close 1-0 victory over Bahrain to join United Arab Emirates at the top of the Gulf Cup soccer tournament table yesterday.

Qatar produced a disciplined performance and were rewarded with the solitary goal after 66 minutes, when Adel Jadou headed home an excellent pass from Mohammed Salem Al-Enazi.

Bahrain, who failed to make their possession count in the first half, mounted a spirited comeback late on but Qatar held firm to earn three points from their opening Gulf Cup match.

Earlier yesterday, UAE kept their cool when it mattered most to beat a hard-working Oman side 1-0.

UAE seized the early initiative when Hayder Alo Ali netted the only goal of the match in the 12th minute.

But they had to call on all their experience to retain the narrow lead and goalkeeper Hussain Ali played an important role.

"We were lucky to hold onto the early goal. The Omani side played very well, but they lacked the finishing touches," UAE’s Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere said.

Omani coach Rashid Jaber agreed: "I think our players couldn’t focus well on the match and blew many scoring chances".

Oman’s best opportunity came in the 83rd minute when striker Taqi Mubarak dribbled past three defenders but just failed to hit the target. Qatar and UAE have three points each, followed by hosts Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who have a point apiece from their 1-1 drawn on Wednesday.

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