Iraq knocks out Qatar, advances to 25th Gulf Cup final
Two players of the Iraqi and Qatari national teams during their semi-final match in the 25th Gulf Cup. Photo: Erem News
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi national team qualified for the final match of the 25th Gulf Cup currently being held in the city of Basra, after its victory over the Qatari national team.
During the match played in Basra International Stadium, the Lions of Mesopotamia achieved a great 2-1 victory over the Qatari team to qualify for the final match of the 25th Gulf Cup after an absence lasted for 10 years.
The last time the Iraqi national team qualified for the Gulf Cup final was in the 21st edition that was held in Bahrain in 2013. The UAE national team was crowned with the title after its 2-1 victory over the Lions of Mesopotamia.
The goals of the Iraqi team were scored by Ibrahim Bayesh in the 19th minute and Aymen Hussein in the 43rd minute, while the only goal of the Qatari team was scored by Amro Surag in the 28th minute.
The Lions of Mesopotamia maintained the score as it was throughout the second half of the match to qualify to the final match.
The Iraqi national team player, Aymen Hussein, won the Best Player Award (TNFX Award), following the match between Iraq and Qatar.
During 15 previous participations in the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Iraqi national team was crowned with a title three time in 1979, 1984 and 1988, and was the runner-up twice in 1976 and 2013.