UAE defeat Bahrain to reach semi finals of Gulf Cup

Abu Dhabi: The UAE defeated Bahrain 3-1 last night in the last match of the first round of the 20th Gulf Cup to reach the semi finals as top of the second group to meet Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

The UAE collected five points and a better goal difference than Iraq, second with the same tally of points, after their goalless tie against Oman at the same time Sunday. Oman, the reigning champions have 3 points while Bahrain have a single point. Iraq will face Kuwait, the leaders of the first group in the semi final round.

Esmail Al Hammadi, starting his first match in the tournament, and Subait Khater played a big role in the victory after Al Hammadi was fouled twice and Subait scored from the first free kick after only 4 minutes before sending the second free kick, only 3 minutes later to Faris Juma who headed home the second goal.

Bahrain came back and scored in the 34th minute but \UAE’s substitute Ahamd Juma sealed the result for his country only five minutes after his introduction receiving a penetrating pass from Al Hammadi in the 63rd minute.