Gulf Cup drama as Iraq and Oman finish level, forcing draw for semi-final place

Iraq and Oman finished level on points, goals scored, goal difference and disciplinary records after a dramatic final round of matches at the Gulf Cup (Gulf Cup 27), leaving a draw to decide which team will join Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals.

Oman beat Kuwait 3-1, while Iraq lost 2-0 to Saudi Arabia. The results left the two teams completely inseparable in Group B, with the organisers confirming that a draw would be held at a hotel in Jeddah to determine the second qualifying place.

Saudi Arabia had already secured their place in the next round with a perfect record after winning their first two matches. The contest for second place was therefore reduced to Iraq and Oman, while Kuwait finished bottom without a point.

Oman began the final round knowing they needed to win and hope Iraq lost. They also had to overturn a three-goal difference to take the qualifying place.

That scenario unfolded when Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 2-0 and Oman came from behind to beat Kuwait 3-1. The two sides ended the group stage with identical points totals, goals scored and goal differences. Their fair-play records were also the same, with both teams receiving eight yellow cards.

Saudi Arabia secured top spot with nine points after a victory in which Abdullah Al-Salim and Abdullah Al-Hamdan scored in the 54th and 69th minutes respectively.

In the other match, Kuwait took an early lead when Shihab Al-Khaldi found the net in the sixth minute.

Oman turned the game around after half-time, scoring three times during a 19-minute spell. Nasser Al-Rawahi struck twice in the 65th and 81st minutes before Musab Al-Shaqsi completed the comeback with Oman’s third goal in the 84th minute.

Al-Shaqsi removed his shirt while celebrating, earning a yellow card. That booking proved significant because it brought Oman’s disciplinary total level with Iraq’s at eight cautions each.

Oman’s players initially celebrated what they believed was qualification for the semi-finals on the basis of the fair-play rule. However, the organising committee later told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that a draw would take place to settle the tie.

The winner will claim the remaining semi-final place alongside Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The decisive question is now whether Iraq or Oman will progress.