Heartbreak for Bahrain

Manama : It was heartbreak for Bahraini fans as Oman squashed their dream of seeing their football team reach the final of the Gulf Cup. 

Oman, which won the Gulf Cup back in 2009, will once again play in the final after defeating Bahrain in a thrilling match. Both teams put up an intense fight but Oman was fortunate to come off with a win as the result of a self-goal. The disaster struck in the 29th minute as Bahraini forward Mahdi Abd Al Jabar headed the ball into his own net. 

Despite the attacking intent and the high intensity in the match, goal-keepers of either team were rarely tested in the first 20 minutes. A 30 yard shot by an Omani attacker in the 28th minute forced a spectacular save from the Bahraini keeper.  As a result, a corner was awarded to Oman in the 29th minute and in his attempts to defend it Al Jabar headed the ball to the back of the net.  The goal changed the game entirely and forced Bahrain to attack without any inhibitions, which made the game more high paced. Bahrain’s attacks were mainly channelled through the right wing with a number of crosses lofted in to test the Omani defence. Bahrain dominated the attack with excellent wing play on the right and the constant pressure almost resulted in a clear-cut chance but the last-ditch tackle from an Omani defender prevented a shot from 12 yards out. A few minutes later Al Jabar thought he was clean through on goal only to be flagged offside. Bahrain continued to have the lion’s share of ball possession, however, clear-cut chances were far and few between. 

Oman started the second half defending deep with Bahrain’s high pressing game making it difficult for Oman to maintain possession. Bahrain’s first substitution took place when Ibrahim Ahmed Habib came on for Ahmed Abdulla Ali. Soon Al Jabar was presented with a chance but the Omani defenders took the ball off him. The substitute Habib had a chance to make it level but his shot was blocked. Habib’s second attempt following a corner missed the goal.  

What looked like Bahrain’s best chance came from a set piece as a long ball was whipped in from the left-hand side and the ball fell to an excellent area in the box for the Bahraini players to attack, however, the play was stopped by the referee to call a foul.  Bahrain’s continued attacks did not result in the goal. 

In the second match of the day, UAE won 4-2 against Iraq in penalties after both teams failed to score in extra time.