BAHRAIN barged into the semi-finals of the 23rd Gulf Cup last night following a 1-1 draw with 10-man Qatar in a drama-filled encounter played at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
Ali Jaffar Madan supplied the crucial equalising goal for Bahrain early in the second half after the Qataris went ahead on the stroke of half-time with a dubious penalty.
That paved the way for a dramatic ending as both teams had multiple chances to put the game away in the final half-hour, although neither could find the winning finishing touch and had to settle for the stalemate.
A share of the points was enough for Bahrain to make it through to the final four, where they take on Group ‘A’ toppers Oman. The Bahrainis advanced from Group ‘B’ alongside their Iraqi counterparts, who finished as division winners after a big 3-0 win over Yemen in last night’s other match. Iraq take on Group ‘A’ runners-up the UAE.
The semi-finals are scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
Bahrain and Qatar appeared to be headed for a goalless first half but a dreary contest suddenly came to life after Qatar were awarded their penalty three minutes into the opening half’s stoppage time.
A dubious foul was called on Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Alawi after a shot from Qatar’s Akram Afif was blocked by a defender, resulting in a mad scramble for the ball in the box. Alawi came charging aiming to clear, as did Afif, and the Bahraini goalkeeper appeared to make contact with his attacking opponent.
Alawi was shown a yellow card, and Qatar’s Hassan Al Haydos buried the spot kick in the centre of the net with Alawi choosing to dive to the right.
Beginning the second half, Bahrain looked determined to find an equaliser and their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute through Madan.
After a poor clearance by Qatar’s Ahmed Yasser off a cross from the left flank, Madan pounced on the resulting loose ball in the box and fired in a powerful left-footed shot that beat Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb and went into the bottom-right corner of goal.
With the score now level, it was a tense final 30 minutes to the final whistle and either team could have come away with a winner.
The Qataris’ hopes continued to dwindle as Ahmed Fatehi was given his marching orders after a hard foul on Madan. With both players vying for the ball, Fatehi missed on his clearance and kicked Madan instead.
Alawi had one last moment of heroism for Bahrain in the 95th minute, confidently saving a header that was on target from Qatar’s Ro-Ro.
Meanwhile, His Majesty the King’s representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa lauded Bahrain’s performance last night.
The players displayed their outstanding level and were disciplined in their approach, said Shaikh Nasser. He also praised the support of Bahraini spectators.
&uuid=(email))