Iraq falls to Bahrain in the Gulf Cup group stage as Ali Madan scores a brace

NEWSROOM — Bahrain secured a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the second round of Group B matches at the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait

Bahrain’s striker, Ali Madan, scored both goals, finding the net in the 38th and 47th minutes.

This win propels Bahrain to the top of Group B with six points from two matches, ensuring their place in the semi-finals ahead of the final group stage round. Iraq remains with three points, making their upcoming crunch match against Saudi Arabia crucial for advancing in the tournament.

In their first match on Sunday, the Iraq secured its first win in the cup after defeating Yemen 1-0 in a tightly contested match.

Iraq entered the Gulf Cup as the reigning champions, having claimed the previous title in Basra.

Iraq has secured the Arabian Gulf Cup title four times—in 1979, 1984, 1988, and most recently in 2023. The team finished runners-up twice, in 1976 and 2013.