Iraq and Bahrain draw

Dubai: Iraq and Bahrain drew 1-1 in a Group B match of the 18th Gulf Cup at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Defender Abdullah Al Marzouqi scored for Bahrain in the eighth minute with a powerful header from a flag kick and Hawar Mulla levelled for Iraq when he capitalised on an error by Al Marzouqi inside the Bahrain penalty area three minutes later.

Iraq now have four points from two matches. They need one point from their last match against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to reach the semifinals.

Bahrain have now lost all hopes of reaching the semis as they just have one point from two matches.

It was the first match for Bahrain's new coach Marjan Eid, who replaced German Hans Peter Breigel - who was sacked on Saturday.

The match was attended by a huge Iraqi crowd, who filled up half the stadium and gave their team full-throated support. The Bahraini supporters were outnumbered.

The match was tough, quick and full of action. Both teams played an open game and attacked most of the time, but lacked finishing. The strikers of both sides lost several sitters while the defenders and goalkeepers also held firm.