Atlas Lions Roar in Arab Cup

The 2nd day of the FIFA Arab Cup delivered high intensity across Qatar’s stadiums. Morocco flexed their tournament credentials and looked every inch a tournament heavyweight with a confident 3–1 win over Comoros at Khalifa International Stadium, Egypt were held to a draw by Kuwait in Lusail, and Saudi Arabia edged Oman in a tight contest at Education City. The stage is now set for Bahrain’s Group D opener tonight against Iraq at Stadium 974.

Morocco dominated from the first whistle. Soufiyan Bouftini opened the scoring with a perfectly timed header that soared into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper stranded. Tarik Tissoudali added a second with a curling low strike from the edge of the area, and Karim El Berkaoui completed the first-half flourish with a precise header from Hamza El Moussaoui’s cross. Comoros reduced the deficit in the second half via a Moroccan own goal when Mohamed Boulacsout misjudged a clearance, but the Atlas Lions controlled the tempo to secure a convincing opening win.

In Lusail, Egypt controlled possession but struggled to break down Kuwait’s disciplined defense. The visitors stunned the hosts when Al-Hajeri powered a header from a corner into the top corner. Egypt responded late, and Magdy Afsha’s ferocious right-footed strike in the 87th minute salvaged a 1–1 draw.

Saudi Arabia’s match against Oman was a tense tactical battle. Feras Al-Brikan opened the scoring with a towering header, only for Ghanim Al-Habashi to equalize moments later with a brilliant set-piece finish. Saleh Al-Shehri then restored the Green Falcons’ lead with a blistering finish from a through ball, sealing a 2–1 win.

Bahrain now turn attention to their Group D opener against Iraq. After a week of training in Doha, coach Dragan Talajic stressed the need for focus and respect.“We accomplished our first task against Djibouti, but Iraq is a strong team. Tomorrow requires total focus and tremendous effort,” he said. “Our group is full of challenges. We aim to face every opponent with confidence and determination.”

Forward Mahdi Humaidan, who has experience playing in Iraq, added: “The opening match is always difficult, but our motivation is strong. We want to start with three points,” he said. “Iraqi football has great strength. We recognise that, and we’ve prepared the right way.”

With preparations complete and confidence high, Bahrain step onto the Arab Cup stage seeking a strong start to their campaign.