Saudi Arabia defeat Iraq 2-0 to stay top in Gulf Cup group

Saudi Arabia secured a 2-0 victory over Iraq on Tuesday, maintaining their perfect record and top position in the Gulf Cup group. The match, held in the third round of the group stage at the 27th Gulf Cup, saw Saudi Arabia capitalize on a rebound from the Iraqi goalkeeper to score the first goal in the 54th minute. Abdullah Al-Salem's effort came shortly before the break, with the team already clinching a semifinal place in the previous round.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan added the second goal in the 69th minute, finishing with his left foot after receiving the ball inside the penalty area. Iraq had an opportunity to equalize in the 38th minute when Saif Rashid broke through on goal, but the referee stopped play due to offside. Just before halftime, Iraq's Mustafa Saadoun left the pitch due to a serious injury and was replaced by Ibrahim Bayesh.

Saudi head coach Donis made his first substitution in the second half, bringing on Mohammed Al-Qahtani for Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat. The match concluded with Saleh Abu Al-Shamat and Firas Al-Buraikan replacing Abdullah Al-Salem and Sultan Mandash in the 59th minute.