{
  "id": 10767853,
  "title": "Saudi Arabia defeat Iraq 2-0 to stay top in Gulf Cup group",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-arabia-defeat-iraq-2-0-to-stay-top-in-gulf-cup-group",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T19:45:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/sports/ngcb7u02c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Saudi Arabia beat Iraq 2-0 on Tuesday to maintain a perfect record and top spot in their Gulf Cup group, having already secured a semifinal place.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia resumes Yanbu oil loading after pipeline restart",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-arabia-resumes-yanbu-oil-loading-after-pipeline-restart",
        "published": "2026-09-29T15:56:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn Business",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia resumes Yanbu oil loading after pipeline restart",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-arabia-resumes-yanbu-oil-loading-after-pipeline-restart-10764017",
        "published": "2026-09-29T19:03:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Pakistan vows to defend Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed Houthis by ‘whatever means’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/pakistan-vows-to-defend-saudi-arabia-against-iran-backed-houthis-by",
        "published": "2026-09-29T20:34:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "UAE vice president visits Saudi Arabia in first visit since rift",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/uae-vice-president-visits-saudi-arabia-in-first-visit-since-rift",
        "published": "2026-09-29T20:46:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia resumes Yanbu oil loading after pipeline restart",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/saudi-arabia-resumes-yanbu-oil-loading-after-pipeline-restart-10782187",
        "published": "2026-09-29T21:09:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}