Aymen Hussein blames Saudi Arabia conditions and injuries for Iraq draw with Oman

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein said the difficult conditions in Saudi Arabia and a series of injuries contributed to his side’s 1-1 draw with Oman in the opening match of Gulf Cup 27.

Hussein created Iraq’s only goal in the Group A match, which was played on Wednesday at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

Speaking to Qatar’s Al Kass channels after the final whistle, Hussein said the weather had presented a significant challenge for the players.

“The conditions were difficult, and the humidity was high. The players are not used to such conditions,” he said.

Iraq were also forced to make changes because of injuries, with substitutions made at half-time and again early in the second half.

“We suffered some injuries and made forced changes between the two halves and at the beginning of the second half, but that is not an excuse,” added Hussein.

The forward felt Iraq had done enough to take all three points, but said they had been unable to make their chances count.

“We played a reasonably good match and should have scored more than one goal, but luck was not on our side. That is football,” he said.

Hussein also praised Oman for their performance and acknowledged that they had taken advantage of their opportunities to secure a point.

“Oman are a good and respected team. They managed to make use of their chances and score the equaliser,” he said.

“ The match ended with that result, and it is a good point at the start. We will try to make up for it by beating Kuwait.”

Iraq and Oman are in Group A of the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup, alongside Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were scheduled to meet later on Wednesday.

The draw leaves Iraq and Oman with one point each after the first round of group matches. Hussein said the Iraqi team’s focus would now turn to its meeting with Kuwait as it looks to claim its first victory of the competition.