Saudi Arabia became the first team from Group A to qualify for the Gulf Cup 27 semi-finals following a commanding 3–0 victory over Oman, while Iraq moved closer to joining them after securing a dramatic late 3–2 win over hosts Kuwait on Matchday 2.
Green Falcons registered their second consecutive victory following their opening 1–0 win over Kuwait, effectively putting the match against Oman beyond reach within the first 34 minutes—capped off by Firas Al-Buraikan’s goal—before keeping a second straight clean sheet.
The victory elevated Saudi Arabia to six points at the top of Group A with four goals scored and zero conceded, officially guaranteeing their place in the knockout stages regardless of their final group fixture result, though top spot remains up for grabs.
In the group’s other match, Zidane Iqbal put Iraq ahead in the 52nd minute before Yousef Nasser equalized for Kuwait from the penalty spot. Saif Rashid restored the advantage for the Mesopotamian Lions in the 83rd minute, only for Yousef Nasser to restore parity again in the 90th minute. However, Karrar Nabeel scored a dramatic winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time to seal all three points for Iraq.
Iraq occupy second place with four points (+1 goal difference), while Oman sit third on one point. Kuwait remain without points and have been officially eliminated, as the maximum tally they can reach is three points.
Group A action concludes on Tuesday, September 29, when Saudi Arabia face Iraq at Al Inmaa Stadium, simultaneously with Oman taking on Kuwait at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. Both matches kick off at 8:30 PM Saudi and Iraq time.
Iraq require only a draw to secure qualification, whereas a defeat against Saudi Arabia would force them to rely on the outcome of the other fixture. Meanwhile, Oman must win and hope for an Iraqi defeat to bring tiebreaking criteria into play.
