Arab Cup: Iraq surpasses Bahrain and tops Group Four

The Iraqi national team took the lead in Group Four, after its victory over the Bahrain national team by two goals to one, in the match that brought them together at Stadium 974, on Wednesday evening.

Iraq benefited from a draw between the reserve national team and Sudan in the first match, advancing to first place.

Offensive effectiveness makes the difference

The Al-Rafidain Lions made clear from the beginning their intentions to win the three points, as captain Ayman Hussein opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

The Karma club striker followed a cross sent by Ali Jassim, jumped high and shot a header that goalkeeper Ibrahim Lotfallah was unable to clear.

The Bahraini goalkeeper suffered a knee injury when he rose to block the goal ball, which required him to be replaced by his colleague Omar Salem in the tenth minute.

Iraq continued its offensive campaigns against Bahrain’s defense despite its lead in the score, as the duo Muhannad Ali and Hassan Abdul Karim posed a great danger.

The Bahraini defense did not last long, and received the second goal from Muhannad Ali in the 25th minute.

The Iraqi striker avoided the offside trap, after he turned his compatriot Sajjad Jassim’s shot into a decisive pass by recovering it and shooting it at the bird.

The Iraqis almost added the third goal through Muhannad Ali as well.

The Emirati Dibba striker lifted the ball over goalkeeper Salem, but defender Amin Bin Adi succeeded in clearing it before it reached the goal line.

Bahrain’s reaction came quickly at the start of the second half, after Mahdi Al-Humaidan ran behind the backs of the Iraqi defenders.

The finish was not at the level of preparation, as Al-Humaidan saw his shot pass outside the frame, thus missing his team’s opportunity to close the gap.

For its part, the Iraqi team did not step back to try to preserve the result, but rather looked to expand the gap, but its attempts were collided with the brilliance of goalkeeper Salem Omar.

The Bahrain national team achieved its goal 12 minutes before the end of normal time in the match.

Abdullah Al-Khalasi penetrated the Iraqi defense, providing a ground pass to substitute striker Sayed Hashem, the latter of whom placed it past goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

All Bahraini attacks to equalize failed in the last quarter of an hour.

Gabonese referee Pierre-Ghislain Acho sent off Bahraini player Ibrahim Al-Khattal after he assaulted Amjad Atwan in the 93rd minute.