Aymen Hussein set for historic 100th Iraq appearance against Saudi Arabia

Aymen Hussein is in line to make his 100th appearance for Iraq when they face Saudi Arabia in the final round of the Arabian Gulf Cup group stage.

Saudi Arabia meet Iraq at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, with both sides completing their group-stage campaigns in the tournament, known as Gulf Cup 27.

Iraq’s leading striker has been named among the substitutes for the second consecutive match. He was also left out of the starting line-up for Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Kuwait in the second round of fixtures.

However, former Iraq player Ali Rahima said Hussein would reach the landmark if he takes part against Saudi Arabia.

Rahima also said the striker would be honoured at Alinma Stadium before kick-off in recognition of the achievement.

“Today, Aymen Hussein will be honoured for reaching his 100th appearance, and there is no major difference in Iraq’s line-up. The most important thing is the spirit in the match against Saudi Arabia,” Rahima said on the programme Nadeena, broadcast by MBC 1.

Hussein has been one of the most prominent figures in Iraqi football in recent years. He played a key role in Iraq’s triumph at the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup, scoring three goals to finish as the competition’s leading scorer.

His potential appearance against Saudi Arabia would mark another significant milestone in an international career that has established him as one of Iraq’s main attacking threats.

The match is the final opportunity for both teams to complete their group-stage campaigns, while Hussein’s possible introduction from the bench could provide the occasion for Iraq to recognise one of its most important current players.