Iraq Open Gulf Cup 27 Campaign with 1-1 Draw Against Oman
Subheading: Mohammed Qasim strikes early, Nasser Al-Rawahi hits back on the counter. Iraq own the first half and Oman the second in Jeddah.
Jeddah – GCC Sport
Iraq began their push for a fifth Gulf Cup title with a 1-1 draw against Oman on Wednesday evening at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The two sides met on the first matchday of Group A at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, and the match showed two sides of each team: Iraq set the pace in the first half, and Oman took control in the second.
An early goal and an Iraq side on the front foot
Iraq didn't have to wait long. In the opening minutes, Mohammed Qasim finished a well-built move with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner past Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini. It was the first goal of the tournament. After that, Graham Arnold's side looked more confident controlling the tempo. Zidane Iqbal and Amir Al-Ammari ran midfield, Merchas Doski and Youssef Amyn were busy on the flanks, and Aymen Hussein held the ball up in attack.
But control came at a price. Iraq's first-half possession never produced the second goal that would have settled the match. Teams that score early and then settle for a narrow lead often run into this problem.
Sektioui changes the rhythm
Oman came out for the second half looking like a different team under their new Moroccan coach, Tarik Sektioui. They pushed higher, pressed the Iraqi player on the ball, and attacked the space behind the full-backs. The goal came in the 67th minute, when Nasser Al-Rawahi finished a quick counterattack to level the score and change the course of the match.
The closing stages got heated, with several yellow cards and plenty of physical contact. Both sides went for the winner, but the draw held, and each team took a point.
Reading the result
For Iraq, the draw leaves Arnold with a question about whether his side can hold an advantage over 90 minutes. A team that scores in the opening minutes and then concedes on the counter in the second half needs to look at its defensive balance, not just its attacking approach.
For Oman, the point carries real value at the start of the Sektioui era. Coming back against a side of Iraq's standing shows the team has a competitive edge, and that its coach can read a match and change its course from the bench.
A group with no room for slip-ups
Group A also includes hosts Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and only two teams go through to the semi-finals. That makes this point potentially decisive in the final standings, or one that someone will come to regret.
The tournament is being held in Jeddah for the first time and runs until October 6. Iraq have won the title four times, second only to Kuwait, and they still have two matches left to get back on track.
Dr. Talal Othman, General Manager — GCC Sport
