FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN punched their tickets yesterday evening to the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup for Veteran Players 2025, currently being held in Kuwait.
The nationals secured their spot after defeating Yemen 1-0 in their concluding match of Group B in the competition’s preliminary round. That, coupled with Iraq’s 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, earned them second place in their pool and they will now take on Group A winners Oman in the last four.
Talal Yusuf was on target for the Bahrainis in their narrow win yesterday against their Yemeni counterparts. He scored from inside the area in the 28th minute off a fine pass from Yasser Al Amer.
The assist was delivered by Al Amer from the left flank, and it set up a one-on-one for Yusuf with the opposing goalkeeper. He made no mistake with his first touch, sending the ball into the net and then celebrating in his signature style from his playing days.
Bahrain head coach Khalil Al Shuwair fielded a starting 11 against Yemen that included Ali Hassan in goal, with Basil Sultan, Ghazi Al Kuwari, Hamad Rakea, Rashed Al Dosari, Saleh Abdulhameed, Mohammed Abdulla, Mahmood Abdulrahman, Mohammed Hubail, and Yusuf, who once again wore the arm band as team captain.
Yusuf’s goal was the first for Bahrain in the tournament, helping them claim their maiden victory after previously drawing against the Saudis and Iraqis. For Yemen, it was their third straight defeat.
Bahrain’s last four clash against Oman will be this evening at 4.45pm. The other semi-final will be between Iraq and Qatar at 6.30pm. The winners will square off in the final tomorrow at 7pm. All times are Bahrain.
The tournament is for players aged 40 and above. Matches are being played over 40 minutes with two 20-minute halves. The number of substitutions per game is open, and VAR technology is not being used.
The eight competing teams are vying for the cool $200,000 in prize money to be awarded to the champions, while the runners-up will take home $150,000.
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