Gulf Cup Draw Set for November 9 in Kuwait: Bahrain Eyes Second Title
TDT | Manama
Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com
The Gulf football community is buzzing with excitement as the draw date for the 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, Khaleeji Zain 26, has been scheduled for November 9. This year's tournament will be hosted in Kuwait in December 2024, bringing together the top national teams from the region to compete for the title. As teams await their group allocations, Bahrain, in particular, looks to build on their recent success in the competition.
Bahrain's Gulf Cup Journey: From Underdogs to Champions
Bahrain's history in the Gulf Cup is a tale of perseverance and ultimate success. For decades, the small island nation competed valiantly but fell short of claiming the coveted trophy. Their journey in the tournament has been marked by:
● Four runner-up finishes (1970, 1982, 1992, 2003-04)
● Three third-place finishes (1990, 1994, 2004)
● Five fourth-place finishes (1976, 1979, 1988, 2002, 2013)
The turning point came in the 24th edition of the Gulf Cup in 2019. In a dramatic final against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain secured a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Mohammed Al Rumaihi in the 69th minute. This historic win ended Bahrain's 49-year wait for the title and sparked nationwide celebrations
One for the books
Bahrain's journey to their first Gulf Cup title in 2019 was nothing short of remarkable:
● They overcame a 0-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia in the group stage
● Secured a frantic 4-2 win against Kuwait
● Won a nail-biting semi-final against Iraq in a penalty shoot-out (5-3) after a 2-2 draw in extra time
● Clinched the title with a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the final
The victory parade from Bahrain International Airport to the Bahrain International Circuit saw tens of thousands of fans celebrating this historic achievement.
A Rich Legacy Continues
The Arabian Gulf Cup has a storied history dating back to 1970. While Kuwait leads with 10 titles, followed by Iraq (4), Saudi Arabia (3), and Qatar (3), Bahrain's recent triumph has added them to the elite list of Gulf Cup winners. As the 26th edition approaches, all eyes will be on whether Bahrain can replicate their 2019 success and cement their place among the region's footballing powerhouses. As the countdown to Khaleeji Zain 26 begins, the November 9 draw in Kuwait marks the first step in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Gulf football history. For Bahrain, it's not just about defending their title; it's about continuing the legacy they began in 2019 and proving that their first championship was no fluke.
Related Posts