The group stage of the current Gulf Cup produced last-minute goals, a historic drawing of lots and a series of unexpected results, keeping supporters across the region captivated throughout the opening round.
Saudi Arabia were the only team to reach the knockout stage with a perfect record, winning all three matches to collect nine points. The hosts also finished the group stage with the tournament’s strongest defence, having kept three clean sheets and conceded no goals.
Their campaign included a divided reaction to Abdullah Al-Hamdan during the opening-round meeting with Kuwait. As the Saudi Arabia striker was substituted in the 83rd minute, some supporters responded with strong jeers after he had missed several chances.
Others in the stands immediately applauded and chanted in support of him. The contrasting reactions quickly became a major talking point among the media and analysts.
Al-Hamdan answered on the pitch in the third round, scoring against Iraq to confirm Saudi Arabia’s position at the top of the group. He celebrated passionately in front of the supporters, bringing the controversy to an end and underlining his value to the team.
Iraq win a dramatic derby
The second-round match between Iraq and Kuwait developed into one of the most dramatic games of the group stage. The two Gulf rivals exchanged attacks and periods of control in a fast and physical derby before Iraq secured a 3-2 victory.
The decisive goal arrived in the ninth minute of added time, at 90+9, giving the “Lions of Mesopotamia” a crucial win and intensifying the battle in Group One. The late strike once again highlighted the teams’ determination to fight until the final seconds.
Oman advance after unprecedented draw
Oman and Iraq were separated by a public draw after finishing level on every applicable numerical criterion. The teams had the same number of points, identical goals scored and conceded, and an equal head-to-head record.
Even their disciplinary records could not split them: both had the same number of yellow cards and neither had received a red card.
With sporting calculations unable to determine the outcome, the tournament organising committee held an open draw at the teams’ accommodation hotel in Jeddah. Oman won the draw and took the qualifying place alongside Saudi Arabia, leaving Iraq eliminated in a highly unusual conclusion.
Yemen stun holders Bahrain
Yemen produced one of the group stage’s biggest surprises against defending champions Bahrain in the final round. In an outstanding attacking display, Yemen scored five times to beat Bahrain 5-2.
The result was more than a heavy victory. It marked the first time in Yemen’s history that the national team had scored five goals in a single official match, including across all of its Gulf Cup appearances. The result also ended Bahrain’s hopes of retaining the title and added another major twist to an unpredictable group stage.
