Saudi Arabia reach Gulf Cup semi-finals as Iraq leave it late against Kuwait

Saudi Arabia have advanced to the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup, with a winning margin that allowed them to clinch the spot after their final Group A match. Feras Al Buraikan scored twice for the Saudi hosts, while Hassan Kadesh added another goal. The team's success in the tournament came despite a disappointing second half performance, with coach Georgios Donis expressing dissatisfaction.

The Saudi team will face Iraq next week, aiming to secure their place in the final four of the eight-team competition. Meanwhile, Iraq secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Kuwait with substitute Karrar Nabeel scoring the winning goal in injury time. The match saw Zidane Iqbal put Iraq ahead early in the second half, followed by Yousef Nasser equalising from the penalty spot.

Both teams scored again before Nabeel's late goal secured the win for Iraq, leaving them with four points in Group A. Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, praised his players for maintaining their focus throughout the match. In Group B, the UAE will take on Bahrain on Sunday, with head coach Zlatko Dalic emphasizing that the team is not among the favorites to win the title.

Dalic acknowledged Bahrain's strong squad and experience, but he remains confident in his team's ability to secure the necessary points for progression.