Hayder Adnan Al-Shammari (R) of Iraq vies with Ali Kh Almaraghi of Kuwait during the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 Group B football match between Iraq and Kuwait in Doha, Qatar. (Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: Kuwait’s under-17 national team played out a dramatic 1-1 draw with Iraq in the opening match of the Gulf U-17 Championship at Hamad Al-Kabeer Stadium.

Iraq struck first in the 9th minute through Amir Haider, but Kuwait snatched a late equalizer in the 96th minute, thanks to Mohammed Al-Salama, ensuring both teams shared a point in Group B.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia made a statement at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium with a dominant 4-0 victory over Bahrain. The Green Falcons began strongly, as Walid Al-Nour scored two early goals in the 5th and 7th minutes, followed by Sabri Dahl’s third in the 44th minute to give Saudi Arabia a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.

Al-Nour completed his hat-trick in the 56th minute, cementing his status as one of the tournament’s early standout players.

With this comprehensive victory, Saudi Arabia sent a clear message to the competition, establishing itself as one of the top favorites to claim the inaugural Gulf U-17 Championship title, hosted this year in Doha, Qatar.

By Khalid Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff