Kuwait City, Dec 26: The Khaleeji Zain 26 football tournament is shaping up to be one for the history books, marked by thrilling matches and passionate fan engagement. On Wednesday, another round of exciting Group B fixtures unfolded, showcasing the ups and downs of regional football.
Bahrain booked its place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Iraq, displaying skill and strategic play. At the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Bahraini forward Ali Madan opened the scoring with a clever finish after the Iraqi defense was sliced open. Madan doubled the lead just one minute after halftime, taking full advantage of the confusion among defenders.
The win brings Bahrain’s points total to six from two matches, guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stage with one group match remaining against Yemen this Saturday. Yemen, who faced Saudi Arabia, started strong, taking the lead just minutes after kickoff.
Within the opening eight minutes, Yemen captain Abdulwasea Al Matari delivered a precise cross, allowing Harwan Al Zubaidi to head the ball home for the lead. They extended their advantage to 2-0 when Abdulmajeed Sabarah capitalized on a defensive error. Yet, the lead was short-lived. Saudi Arabia struck back with Mohammed Kanno’s header, and after some contentious moments including VAR intervention, the Saudis leveled the game with Musab Al-Juwayr’s penalty.
Just when it seemed the match might end as a draw, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alhamddan snatched victory with a goal deep in stoppage time, leaving the Yemeni fans heartbroken.
This series of matches heightened the anticipation for the final games. Saturday will see Saudi Arabia face Iraq, with the stakes high for both teams vying for semi-final advancement alongside Bahrain.
The excitement off the pitch has been equally prominent. Zain, the tournament's title partner, has been focused on enriching fan experiences at various locations throughout Kuwait. They have established fan zones at Murouj and several malls, complete with live match broadcasts, competitions, and engaging activities.
Throughout the tournament, Zain embraces the spirit of the event, offering daily fun and interaction for football fans. The company's efforts include hosting the original tournament trophy for fans to capture memorable moments and organizing competitions at match venues.
The recent excitement is reflective of Kuwait’s commendable hosting capabilities, emphasized by Zain’s commitment to enhancing the experience. The tournament, which kicked off last week with vibrant ceremonies, promises to culminate with unforgettable moments until January 3, 2025.
On the pitch, the Kuwaiti national team, known as the "Blue," has rekindled hope among fans after their stirring 2-1 victory against the UAE—a game ignited by their determined effort and unyielding spirit. This victory holds significant emotional weight, as it snapped Kuwait’s lengthy winless streak and reinstated their confidence against strong opponents.
Bashar Abdullah, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sport, recognized the achievement and labeled it as pivotal for Kuwait's Gulf Cup campaign. He highlighted the importance of this win, stating it could mark the beginning of the Blue's resurgence among Gulf teams.
Head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi shared his immense pride for the players’ relentless effort during their match. He expressed optimism for their upcoming clash against Qatar, viewing it as another chance to advance.
Looking at Group A, Kuwait tops the standings after their win, with Oman also securing valuable points after defeating Qatar 2-1. Oman’s success was noted by their officials, acknowledging the growth of teams as the tournament progresses.
The competitive atmosphere at Khaleeji Zain 26 reflects the unpredictability and excitement inherent to football. From electrifying matches to dedicated fan experiences orchestrated by Zain, the event is fostering unity and passion among Gulf nations. The stakes are high as teams continue to vie for glory, with fans eagerly awaiting the next round of matches leading up to the semi-finals.
With only days left before the tournament culminates, expectations are sky-high as teams prepare for decisive battles. Kuwait’s hopes remain alive as they look to establish themselves once more as champions.
