Bahrain eliminate Qatar, enter semi-finals

Kuwait City : Bahrain qualified for the semi-finals of the 2017 Gulf Cup after they eliminated Qatar, the champion of the last edition, following a 1-1 draw, in the final and decisive match of Group B in Kuwait yesterday.

Bahrain managed to obtain the one point they needed to qualify over Qatar whose only option was to win in order to reach the penultimate stage of the 23rd Gulf Cup hosted by Kuwait.

The Qataris would have progressed with a victory but they could only manage a point at the Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

Qatar scored the first goal through a penalty by Hassan Al Haidoos in the last minute of the first half.

However, Bahrain drew level, thanks to Ali Jaafar who scored the crucial goal in the 57th minute of the match.

In the semi-finals to be held on Tuesday, Bahrain will play Oman, the Group A leader, while Iraq will take on the UAE, the second team to qualify from Group A.

Qatar’s defence of the Gulf Cup of Nations title has ended after the 2022 World Cup host country crashed out of the tournament at the group stage following a 1-1 draw with Bahrain in Kuwait.

The Qataris would have progressed with a victory but they could only manage a point at the Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

The result saw Bahrain qualify for the semi-finals in second place in Group B behind Iraq, who beat Yemen 3-0 in their final group game.

Bahrain will face Group A winners Oman in the last four, while Iraq will take on the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar’s elimination provides an embarrassment for a country which is preparing to welcome the world’s best in five years’ time.

Their bid for a place in the semi-finals got off to a good start when Hassan Al-Haydos scored from the penalty spot in first-half injury time.

Qatari joy was short-lived, however, as Ali Madan equalised 12 minutes into the second half.

That left Qatar needing at least another goal to avoid elimination but they were unable to break down a stern Bahraini defence.

Bahrain stood firm and played in an organized way for most of the first half. With time expired on the clock and deep into added injury time, the referee awarded them a penalty. 

However, Hassan Khalid buried the spot kick. Bahrain regrouped at the break and came out, much like their opponents did in the first half, throwing caution to the wind.

They had their reward after Ali Madan buried a cross from the left to draw the sides level. 

From that point, it was all aimless long balls and hopeful attacking from Qatar in the last half an hour with Bahrain very concise and precise in their defending and counter-attacking as they nearly took the lead on a couple of
occasions.

Their disappointment was compounded by the red card shown to Ahmed Fatehi in the dying seconds of the match.

Iraq had no such trouble as they swept aside Yemen at the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium to ensure they finished top of Group B.

After a scoreless first half, Ali Husni broke the deadlock just after the restart before Ali Fatez Atia doubled their lead after 64 minutes.

Mahdi Kamel added a third late on to seal a comfortable win.