JEDDAH: Iraq revived their hopes of reaching the Gulf Cup semifinals after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kuwait in the second round of group stage.
The match was held at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City in Jeddah on Saturday.
The victory lifted Iraq to four points, and the defeat ended Kuwait’s hopes.
The first half ended goalless despite both teams creating opportunities, with the match opening up considerably after the break.
Iraq took the lead in the 52nd minute when Zidan Iqbal found the net to give the Lions of Mesopotamia the advantage.
Kuwait responded strongly and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Yusuf Nasser converted a penalty to bring the match level at 1-1.
Iraq regained the lead eight minutes later when Saif Rashid scored in the 83rd minute, putting his side back in front with the match heading towards its final stages.
The drama intensified in the closing minutes. Kuwait levelled again in the 90th minute, with Yusuf Nasser completing his brace and appearing to have rescued a point for his side.
Kuwait were then reduced to 10 men when Abdullah al Awadhi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, just a minute before the decisive moment.
Iraq took full advantage in stoppage time as Nabil Karrar scored in the ninth minute of added time, completing a remarkable late turnaround and securing all three points for Graham Arnold’s side.
The result strengthened Iraq’s position in the race for a semifinal place, with the team now set to face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in their final Group A match.
Arnold said Iraq were the better side and praised his players for maintaining their concentration throughout the match.
“We were the better team during the match. We created a large number of chances and the players maintained their focus throughout the game,” Arnold said.
“Our goal is to make the fans happy, and that is what we are trying to achieve in every match,” Arnold added.
Kuwait coach Helio Sousa expressed his pride in his players despite the defeat and highlighted the chances his team created during the match.
Sousa pointed to two opportunities created by Kuwait in the first half and the number of chances produced after the break, including an opportunity that could have given his side a third goal.
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