West Asia

Gulf Cup Day One Wrap: Oman, Kuwait Draw While Bahrain Shock Iraq

Bahrain won and hosts Oman drew on the first day of action in the Gulf Cup at Sultan Qaboos Complex Stadium in Muscat.

Jan 4, 2009 11:30:59 PM

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Oman were held to a goalless draw by Kuwait in front of their own fans.

The team had Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi to thank for a number of good saves which prevented a disappointing afternoon becoming a disastrous one.

Kuwait star striker Ahmad Ajab went close but Hashim Saleh almost won it at the end for Oman.

It was a different story as Bahrain disposed of Iraq in the other Group One match - though Iraq had two men sent off.

Defender Haitham Kadhem was shown a second yellow after 25 minutes.

That may have explained the gaps in the defence just three minutes later as Abdullah Omar put Bahrain ahead.

After 65 minutes, Sayed Adnan added to the score from the penalty spot. Iraq goalkeeper Noor Sabri was sent off for the foul.

With ten minutes remaining, Iraq were thrown a lifeline as Younis Mahmoud fired home – again from the spot.

Bahrain sealed the win and the three points in injury time thanks to Abdullah Al Dhakeel.

On Monday, Group Two kicks off with Saudi Arabia facing Qatar and UAE doing battle with Yemen.