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Bahrain Wins the Gulf Cup:
Bahrain has emerged victorious in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, defeating Oman 2-1 in a thrilling final held at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. The match saw Bahrain come from behind after Oman took an early lead with a goal from Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri in the 17th minute. However, Bahrain equalized in the 79th minute with a penalty converted by Mohamed Marhoon, followed by a second goal just two minutes later, which was an own goal by Oman’s Mohamed Al-Musalami.
Celebrations and National Pride: The victory sparked widespread celebrations among Bahraini fans, with nearly 60,000 supporters present at the stadium. The Bahraini government declared a public holiday on January 5 to allow fans to celebrate and attend the match without work-related concerns. Social media buzzed with excitement as fans organized various support activities leading up to the final.
Regional Recognition: Following Bahrain’s win, leaders from across the Gulf region congratulated the nation. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised both teams for their performances and commended the successful organization of the tournament by Kuwait.
Future of the Tournament: The tournament has been deemed a success, attracting over 450,000 fans throughout its duration. The next edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup is set to take place in Saudi Arabia in September 2026.
The Turning point
The turning point in the Gulf Cup final occurred in the 76th minute when Bahrain was awarded a penalty after Mohammed Marhoon was fouled by Jameel Al-Yahmadi. Marhoon successfully converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1. This moment shifted the momentum in favor of Bahrain, as they quickly capitalized on their newfound energy. Just two minutes later, in the 78th minute, a cross from Marhoon deflected off Omani defender Mohamed Al-Musalami into the net, giving Bahrain a dramatic 2-1 lead. This quick succession of events not only turned the tide of the match but also secured Bahrain’s victory in the final.
Bahrain’s strategy in the Gulf Cup final differed from Oman’s in several key aspects:
Defensive Resilience vs. Offensive Pressure: Bahrain adopted a more resilient defensive approach, focusing on maintaining a solid backline while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. This allowed them to absorb Oman’s early pressure and capitalize on mistakes. In contrast, Oman aimed to dominate possession and create scoring chances through sustained offensive pressure, which initially paid off with an early goal.
Set-Piece Utilization: Bahrain effectively utilized set pieces as a strategic weapon, particularly during critical moments of the match. Their ability to convert a penalty into a goal demonstrated their preparedness and focus on exploiting such opportunities. Oman, while also capable of set-piece play, did not capitalize as effectively during the match.
Adaptability and Momentum Shift: After conceding an early goal, Bahrain showcased adaptability by quickly shifting their strategy in response to the game’s dynamics. The penalty conversion not only equalized the score but also shifted momentum in Bahrain’s favor, allowing them to take control of the match’s pace. Oman struggled to regain their composure after this turning point, leading to defensive lapses.
Substitutions and Tactical Changes: Bahrain’s coaching staff made effective substitutions that injected fresh energy into the team at crucial moments, helping them maintain intensity and exploit Oman’s defensive weaknesses as the game progressed. Oman’s substitutions did not have the same impact, as they were unable to counter Bahrain’s tactical adjustments effectively.
These strategic differences ultimately contributed to Bahrain’s success in the final, allowing them to secure a 2-1 victory against Oman
In the Gulf Cup final, several players stood out for their exceptional performances:
Mohammed Marhoon (Bahrain): Marhoon was instrumental in Bahrain’s victory,
scoring the equalizing penalty in the 78th minute and providing the cross that led to Oman’s own goal just two minutes later. His contributions earned him both the Top Scorer and Best Player awards for the tournament, highlighting his pivotal role in Bahrain’s success.
Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri (Oman): Al-Mushaifri opened the scoring for Oman with a powerful header from a corner kick in the 17th minute, showcasing his aerial ability and positioning. He was a constant threat throughout the match, contributing significantly to
Oman’s attacking efforts.
Ebrahim Lutfalla (Bahrain): The Bahraini goalkeeper played a crucial role in keeping his team in the game, making several key saves to prevent Oman from extending their lead. His performance was vital in maintaining Bahrain’s defensive stability.
Ali Al-Busaidi (Oman): Busaidi provided the assist for Al-Mushaifri’s goal and was involved in various attacking plays for Oman. His ability to create chances from set pieces was a notable aspect of Oman’s strategy.
These players not only showcased individual talent but also significantly influenced the match’s outcome, contributing to a thrilling final that ended with Bahrain clinching the title.
Key words
Bahrain, gulf cup final, historic victory, nationwide celebrations, thrilling
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