EN
Group A: Saudi Arabia snatch win; Iraq, Oman share points

Group A: Saudi Arabia snatch win; Iraq, Oman share points

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia needed an own goal to open their Gulf Cup 2026 campaign with a win against Kuwait on Wednesday. 

Iraq and Oman, meanwhile, settled for a 1-1 draw in the other Group A tie at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
image content
Iraq 1-1 Oman 
Mohammed Qasim gave Iraq an early lead with a superb sixth-minute strike, but Nasser Al Rawahi hit back for Oman to ensure the points were shared. 

Iraq struck the opener after Oman failed to clear Zaid Al Dulaimi’s cross into the box, with Aymen Hussein laying off the loose ball for Qasim, who curled a powerful effort into the top right corner. 

Iraq came close to doubling their advantage in the 39th minute when Hassan Abdulkarim surged into the box before seeing his curling effort palmed away by goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini. 
image content
Oman drew level in the 67th minute when Ahmed Al Kaabi’s through ball released Al Rawahi, who slipped behind the Iraqi defence before lifting a looping effort over the advancing Ahmed Al Fadhli and into the net.
image content
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Kuwait 
Saudi Arabia enjoyed the better of the first half exchanges, with Mohammed Abu Al Shamat finding the net with a well-placed shot in the 37th minute only for his effort to be ruled out following an earlier foul by Mohammed Kanno.

Kuwait threatened just before the break, with Mohammad Dahan sending a low effort narrowly wide of the left post as the score remained goalless going into the break.
Georgios Donis’ side continued to push after the restart and finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Yousef Al Haqan turned Hammam Al Hamami’s cross into his own net.

Saudi Arabia will seek a second win when they play Oman on Saturday while Kuwait will have to bounce back with victory against Iraq. 

Photos: Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Iraq Football Association

Related News

  1. AG (M): China PR, DPR Korea seal knockout stage spots
    Asian Games

    AG (M): China PR, DPR Korea seal knockout stage spots

  2. #ACLElite – Vote for your Matchday 1 Player of the Match Presented by STA
    AFC Champions League Elite

    #ACLElite – Vote for your Matchday 1 Player of the Match Presented by STA

  3. Preview - FIFA Asean Cup
    FIFA ASEAN Cup

    Preview - FIFA Asean Cup

  4. AG(M): Vietnam and Korea Republic advance
    Asian Games

    AG(M): Vietnam and Korea Republic advance

  5. Europe Wrap: Machino, Lee net first goals
    Domestic Leagues

    Europe Wrap: Machino, Lee net first goals

Item 1 of 5