Lions of Mesopotamia Roar Past Bahrain

Iraq Breaks 10-Game Jinx Against the Reds in Arab Cup Opener

Bahrain’s national team suffered a bitter start to their Arab Cup Group D campaign, losing 2-1 to Iraq at Stadium 974 in Doha yesterday. Prior to this clash, Iraq had failed to win in their last 10 meetings with the Reds — two wins for Bahrain and eight draws — making this result particularly significant.

The opening goal was a cruel twist of fate for Bahrain. Aymen Hussain, top scorer of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, met a cross with a powerful header. The ball was parried by goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla, only to strike his trailing foot as it fell, diverting into the net for an incredibly unlucky own goal. Lutfalla was immediately substituted by coach Dragan Talajic, with Omar Salem coming on in his place.

Iraq then doubled their lead in the 25th minute through a bizarre sequence. Ahmed Alhajjaj dived in the box after faking contact from Bahrain’s Vincent Emmanuel. The ball then ricocheted to Ali Jasem, whose shot from outside the area struck Mohanad Ali inadvertently. Ali’s touch was accidental, but the ball fell kindly for him to volley into the far corner. The goal was briefly checked by VAR for offside on the scorer but was ultimately given, leaving Bahrain chasing the game.

Bahrain offered a glimmer of hope in the 79th minute when Sayed Hashim, in the right place at the right time, tapped in a low ball from Abdulla Al Khulasi on the wing. Despite being closely marked, Hashim’s finish found the net, but it was too late to change the outcome, leaving Bahraini supporters frustrated as the Reds struggled to make an impact.

The sour note was compounded in stoppage time when Riffa’s Abdulla Al Khattal was shown a red card for a reckless headbutt on Iraq’s Amjad Attwan, much to the frustration of the traveling Bahraini fans. He will now miss Bahrain’s next Arab Cup fixture against reigning champions Algeria, adding to the challenge for Dragan Talajic’s side.

Earlier in Group D, Sudan failed to capitalize on Algeria’s red card to Adam Ounas before halftime, with the match ending in a goalless draw, while in Group C, Jordan defeated a 10-man UAE 2-1 to top the standings. Bahrain now turn their focus to Algeria, knowing a strong performance is crucial to stay competitive in the group. The Reds will face the reigning champions on Saturday at 4:30 pm at Khalifa International Stadium.