Bahrain win second Gulf Cup after dramatic 2-1 comeback against Oman

Bahrain triumphed in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Oman last night to claim their second Arabian Gulf Cup title in Kuwait City. The dramatic final of the ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’ at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium saw Bahrain overturn a first-half deficit with two late goals, in front of around 60,000 spectators.

Both sides reached the final after hard-fought semi-finals earlier in the week, with each team reduced to 10 men. Oman triumphed 2-1 over Saudi Arabia, while Bahrain edged out their Kuwaiti hosts.

Ahead of the match, Bahrain’s Croatian coach Dragan Talajics said “It will be a very difficult final. But my boys will write history. My boys are an unbelievable group of sons. They will play for Bahrain, and for themselves. There is big pressure on us.”

مايحلى كأس الخليج إلا بايدينا 🏆🇧🇭#هاتووه🏆 #يابووه🏆 #المنتخب_البحريني #خليجي_زين26 pic.twitter.com/AkYdZcQdPp

— المنتخب البحريني 🇧🇭 (@bahrainnt1) January 4, 2025

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

Oman, seeking their third title, took an early lead in the 17th minute. Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri headed home a corner from Ali Al-Busaidi. Despite Bahrain’s persistent attacks, the Red Warriors’ defence, led by goalkeeper Faiz Al-Rusheidi, held firm until halftime.

The second half brought renewed intensity. Bahrain equalised in the 79th minute after Jameel Al-Yahmadi’s foul on Mohamed Marhoon resulted in a penalty. Marhoon calmly converted from the spot, reigniting his side’s hopes. Just two minutes later, Marhoon’s cross from the left flank forced Oman captain Mohammed Al-Musalami into an own goal, sealing Bahrain’s victory.

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Oman fought back to level the score but were unable to break through the Bahraini defence during 10 minutes of regular time and 15 minutes of stoppage time. Injury setbacks, including the substitution of goalkeeper Al-Rusheidi, further complicated Oman’s efforts.

The victory marks Bahrain’s second Gulf Cup triumph, their first since 2019. Oman, runners-up in the previous tournament, were left heartbroken despite an impressive campaign under coach Rasheed Jaber, having remained unbeaten throughout the competition.

The tournament’s next edition will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2026, which will also host the AFC Asian Cup in early 2027 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

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