Oman reach Gulf Cup 27 semi-finals after draw sends Iraq out

Oman have reached the semi-finals of the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup after a draw was needed to separate them from Iraq.

The Gulf Cup Football Federation held the draw at a hotel in Jeddah to determine the second semi-finalist from Group A, with Oman and Iraq level on every available measure. Oman were eventually selected to join group winners Saudi Arabia in the last four.

Saudi Arabia finished top of the group with a perfect nine points, while Iraq and Oman both ended on four points. The two sides drew 1-1 in their opening match and each scored four goals and conceded five across the group stage.

They were also level on disciplinary records, with both teams receiving eight yellow cards and neither collecting a red card. With no other criterion separating them, the draw was used to decide which side would progress.

The final standings were confirmed after the third and final round of Group A matches.

Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 2-0 at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, a result which left Iraq unable to improve their position. At the same time, Oman produced a late comeback against Kuwait, overturning a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 after scoring in the closing stages.

That victory gave Oman the points they needed to remain level with Iraq, but the subsequent draw secured their place in the semi-finals.

Saudi Arabia and Oman will now wait to discover their opponents in the last four. Those places will be decided when Group B concludes with Qatar facing United Arab Emirates and Yemen playing Bahrain in the final round of matches.