Iraq Crash Out Of Gulf Cup

TDT | Manama

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Iraq were sensationally eliminated from Khaleeji 27 yesterday after a draw of lots sent Oman through to the semi-finals instead.

Graham Arnold’s side lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia at Al Inma Bank Stadium, while Oman’s 3-1 victory over Kuwait left the two teams level on four points and goal difference.

With the sides unable to be separated, the Gulf Football Federation (GFF) held a draw after the matches to determine who would advance, with Oman’s name drawn.

Georgios Donis’ Saudi Arabia, already through, opened the scoring in the 55th minute when Abdullah Al Salemi tapped home after goalkeeper Ahmed Basil Fadhil’s error sparked a scramble from a free-kick.

Abdullah Al Hamdan doubled the lead 14 minutes later, receiving Nasser Al Dawsari’s pass inside the box before beating Fadhil.

At Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, Oman recovered after Shabab Al Khaldi gave Kuwait a sixth-minute lead.

Nasser Al Rawahi struck twice, in the 65th and 81st minutes, before Musab Al Shaqsy completed the 3-1 comeback.

Saudi topped the group on nine points, with Oman and Iraq on four and Helio Sousa’s Kuwait bottom without a point.

Saturday’s semi-finals see Saudi Arabia face Qatar at 6pm before Oman take on the UAE at 9.30pm. The final will be played on Tuesday at 9pm.