JEDDAH: Hosts Oman reached the semifinals of the 19th Arabian Gulf Cup soccer tournament when they beat Bahrain 2-0 to top Group A at the packed Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex last night.
Later, Kuwait became the second team to enter the last four stage when they tied with bottom-placed Iraq 1-1 to finish second in the same group. Badr Al-Maymani scored for Oman in the 14th minute following a free kick from just outside the penalty box.
Spurred on by this goal and vociferous fans, Oman dominated proceedings thereafter and ruled in midfield that gave their rivals little space to maneuver.
They were rewarded for their efforts when Fawzo Basheer made the issue safe in the 71st minute.
Bahrain’s Muhammad Hussein and Sayed Mahmoud Galal were shown the red cards respectively just before time for foul play.
In the other match, Kuwait was first to score in the 37th minute through Khaled Khalaf. Alaa Abdul Zahraa clinched the equalizer for Iraq in the 66th minute.
Iraq was already out from the competition after they lost their second match to Oman. Kuwait went into the match needing a win or a draw if Oman beat Bahrain, which they did. All eyes are on today’s Group B matches where Saudi Arabia takes on UAE while in the other match Oatar meets Yemen.
For Saudi Arabia and UAE it is a do-or-die situation. Both teams will go all out for a win, as the second placed team in this group will meet Oman in the semis.
Both teams have the same number of points but Saudi Arabia has a better goal average.
Qatar, who has drawn their previous matches against Kingdom and UAE, are expected to win against bottom side Yemen, but need to score more goals if that becomes the decider.
