Iraq's midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh (right) celebrates scoring during the Arabian Gulf Cup football match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq's eponymous southern city on January 9, 2023. (Photo by Hussein Faleh / AFP)
Hosts Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to lead Group A of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup at Basra International Stadium on Monday.
The victory took the Lions of Mesopotamia, who played a goalless draw against Oman in opener, to four points from two matches.
Ibrahim Bayesh took the home side ahead at half-hour mark with Aso Rustom sealing the win with an 86th minute goal.
The Falcons, who beat Yemen in their first match, fell to third place with Oman next in their last group match.
Oman, meanwhile, climbed to second spot in Group B after edging past Yemen 3-2 yesterday.
Oman took the lead after an own goal by Ali Fadhi in the second minute before Yemen bounced back to take lead through goals from Abdulwasea Al Matari (12’, penalty) and Omar Al Dahi (30’).
Arshad Al Alawi equalised for Oman in the 37th minute before Issam Al Sabhi sealed victory with a goal in 47th minute.
After losing back-to-back matches, Yemen will face Iraq in their last group match.
