Oman and Bahrain reach Arabian Gulf Cup final after thrilling semi-finals

Oman and Bahrain will face off in the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup “Khaleeji 26” after both sides overcame adversity in dramatic semi-finals, each playing with ten men.

At a packed Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium last night, Bahrain stunned hosts Kuwait with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Despite losing striker Mahdi Abduljabber to a second yellow card in the 52nd minute, Bahrain pressed on. Mohamed Marhoon’s 73rd-minute strike, capitalising on a chaotic free-kick, sealed the win. A spirited Kuwait, backed by 60,000 fans, couldn’t break through Bahrain’s defence in a frantic finish.

ماذا كان شعورك في هذه اللحظة ؟ 😍📸#هاتووه🏆 #المنتخب_البحريني #خليجي_زين26 pic.twitter.com/M6bu7nxwOu

— المنتخب البحريني 🇧🇭 (@bahrainnt1) December 31, 2024

Earlier that evening, Oman battled past regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a pulsating encounter at Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Stadium. Reduced to ten men in the 34th minute after Al Mandhar Al Alawi’s red card for a reckless challenge, the Red Warriors defied the odds. Arshad Al Alawi’s free-kick in the 74th minute, which sneaked under Saudi’s defensive wall, opened the scoring. Ali Al Busaidi doubled the lead in the 84th minute, finishing a slick counterattack.

A 10-man Oman stunned Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the semifinal to storm into the final of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait City on Tuesday.

At the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium, Oman had a shock in the 34th minute when striker Al Mandhar al Alawi got a red card for a foul on… pic.twitter.com/G6aOn4r3sC

— Oman Observer 🇴🇲 (@OmanObserver) December 31, 2024

Saudi Arabia responded two minutes later with a stunning strike from Mohamed Kanno, setting up a dramatic finale. Oman’s goalkeeper Faiz Al Rushaidi made critical saves, and the team held firm, even as Saudi pushed relentlessly during extended injury time.

📸 فرحة الأبطال 🤩❤️#عمان_السعودية#خليجي26#كلنا_معك pic.twitter.com/xYFfZpF6qO

— المنتخب العُمـاني (@Oman_NT) December 31, 2024

Yesterday Yasser Al-Meshal, President of the Saudi Football Federation, confirmed that he bore “full responsibility” for the loss to Oman.

Oman, aiming for their third Gulf Cup title on Saturday, will hope to avenge their loss against Iraq in the previous edition’s final. Bahrain, buoyed by their victory over the hosts, seek their second title.

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