JEDDAH: Defending champions Bahrain were eliminated from Gulf Cup 27 after suffering a 3-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates in their second round of Group stage.
The match was held match at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Sunday.
The result secured the UAE’s place in the semifinals, while Bahrain bowed out of the tournament after suffering their second consecutive defeat.
The UAE took the lead in the 30th minute when Othman Kamara rose to meet Yuri Cesar’s corner and headed the ball into the net, giving his side a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Bahrain goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfalla had earlier kept his team in the contest, making several saves to deny Nicolas Jimenez, who threatened the goal with efforts in the 27th and 29th minutes.
The UAE continued to press after the break and came close to extending their lead in the 53rd minute, but Jimenez’s header from Marcos Meloni’s cross struck the crossbar.
Bahrain responded through a counter-attack five minutes later. Kamil Al Aswad delivered a cross towards Ali Madan, whose header was cleared by the UAE defence.
The UAE doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Guilherme Bala collected a long pass from Meloni, moved past the defenders and sent a low shot into the left corner.
Lutfalla made further saves to deny Bruno Oliveira and Meloni as the UAE continued to create chances. However, he was beaten for a third time in the 88th minute when substitute Ali Saleh finished with a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Oliveira.
The UAE dominated the statistics, recording 57 per cent possession and 20 shots, including 11 on target, compared with Bahrain’s four attempts and none on target. Lutfalla made eight saves for Bahrain.
With the victory, the UAE moved to six points from two matches and confirmed their qualification for the semifinals.
Bahrain remained without a point and were eliminated, ending their title defence.
Qatar also secured qualification from Group B after defeating Yemen 1-0 earlier on Sunday.
Press conferences for the third round of Group B will be held on Tuesday ahead of the final group-stage matches, with Qatar taking on the United Arab Emirates, while Yemen face Bahrain at the same time.
The two matches will determine the final standings in the group, with Qatar and the UAE having already secured their places in the semifinals.
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