Iraq made a strong opening statement at the Fifa Arab Cup in Doha on Saturday, earning a 2-1 victory over Bahrain to place one foot on the path towards the knockout stages.
Four years after the two sides met in the group stage and both bowed out early, the Lions of Mesopotamia ensured history would not repeat itself with a composed and purposeful display at .
It took Iraq barely 10 minutes to find their breakthrough. Aymen Hussein’s close-range effort caused chaos in the Bahrain penalty area, ricocheting off defender Ebrahim Lutfalla and over the line for an unfortunate own goal.
Lutfalla, injured in the scramble, was forced off minutes later, with substitute goalkeeper Omar Salem sent on in his place. Salem’s first task was to pick the ball out of his net again, as Iraq doubled their advantage midway through the opening half. This time it was Mohanad Ali who reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, sweeping home a low finish to give his side full control.
Bahrain rallied late, reducing the deficit through substitute Sayed Hashim, who steered in a precise Abdulla Al Khalsai cross.
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