Bahrain’s Title Defence Faces Tough Draw

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Defending champions Bahrain face a daunting challenge in their bid to retain the Gulf Cup title after being drawn into a competitive group for the preliminary stage of the 27th Gulf Cup, which is set to take place later this year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The draw for the eight-nation tournament was held yesterday in Jeddah under the supervision of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. Bahrain were represented at the event by Bahrain Football Association board member and national team supervisor Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, head coach Dragan Talajic, and former international Ali Saeed.

Bahrain have been placed in Group B alongside the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Yemen, who are still chasing their maiden Gulf Cup title. Meanwhile, Group A features Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, and hosts Saudi Arabia.

The 27th Gulf Cup, also known as “Khaleeji 27,” will be held from September 23 to October 6.

Bahrain enter the tournament as reigning champions following their triumph in the previous edition, staged between December 2024 and January 2025. That victory secured their second Gulf Cup title, adding to their maiden success in 2019.

In the final, Bahrain produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Oman 2–1 on Omani soil in one of the most memorable championship matches in recent years. Oman took the lead through Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri in the 17th minute before Mohamed Marhoon equalised from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. Just two minutes later, a defensive lapse led to an own goal by Mohammed Al Musalami, sealing a dramatic Bahrain victory and the Gulf Cup title.