Late Iraq strike shatters Kuwait's Gulf Cup hopes

Kuwait players celebrate after scoring against Iraq.

JEDDAH, Sept 26: Kuwait was knocked out of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Iraq in their Group A clash at King Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The loss left the Blues without a point from their first two matches, following their 1-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia in the opening round. Iraq moved to four points.

Hélio Sousa made several changes to the side that started against Saudi Arabia, with Athbi Shihab, Yousif Nasser, Mubarak Al-Feneini, and Mohsen Falah coming into the lineup.

Kuwait showed good defensive organization early on and looked to attack through Al-Feneini, Mohammed Daham, and Nasser. Iraq, meanwhile, targeted the middle and Kuwait’s right flank.

Neither side could break the deadlock before halftime, although both goalkeepers were tested. Al-Houshan produced an excellent save to deny Mohammed Qasim, while Ahmed Basra kept out a powerful effort from Daham.

Iraq finally took the lead in the 54th minute when Zaid Iqbal fired home after Ali Jassim set him up inside the area.

Sousa responded with three substitutions, bringing on Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Muath Al-Dhafiri, and Yousif Majid.

Kuwait drew level in the 74th minute when Yousif Nasser converted from the penalty spot after Majid was brought down by Haider Abdul Karim.

Iraq regained the advantage in the 83rd minute as substitute Ahmed Yahya finished with a backheel from Saif Rashid’s cross.

Kuwait refused to give up and equalized again in the final minute of normal time, with Nasser turning home Daham’s free-kick delivery.

However, Iraq snatched victory in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Substitute Karrar Nabil collected a loose ball inside the area and smashed a left-footed shot into the net to seal a 3-2 win and end Kuwait’s Gulf Cup campaign.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff