Bahrain secured their second Gulf Cup title in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Oman at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City. Oman took an early lead in the 17th minute through Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri’s header, putting Bahrain on the back foot. However, Bahrain fought back in the second half with Mohamed Marhoon scoring from a penalty and Oman’s captain, Mohammed Al Musalami, scoring an own goal, leading to Bahrain’s win.
The match was filled with tension, drama, and a touch of fortune, making it a memorable final for both teams. Marhoon’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award and joint topscorer of the tournament. Bahrain’s defense, led by Waleed Al-Hayyam, held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory, marking their first Gulf Cup success since 2019.
The win was a fitting conclusion to Bahrain’s campaign, which showcased resilience and unity under manager Dragan Talajic. Talajic praised his team’s fighting spirit, stating, “We showed the heart of champions today. This was a battle, and my players gave everything.” Oman’s manager, Rashid Jaber, expressed disappointment in the loss but commended his team’s efforts, stating, “It’s painful to lose like this, but I’m proud of my players. They fought hard, and we’ll come back stronger.”
Bahrain’s road to glory included wins over Kuwait, Iraq, and a stunning comeback against Saudi Arabia in the tournament. Oman, on the other hand, overcame a resilient Saudi side in the semifinals after consistent performances in the group stage. The Gulf Cup trophy returns home to Bahrain once again, with fans and players celebrating a well-deserved victory.
Overall, the final match between Bahrain and Oman was a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience, skill, and determination of both teams. Bahrain’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and unity under Talajic’s leadership, while Oman’s performance reflected their never-give-up attitude. The Gulf Cup title win will go down in history as a memorable moment for Bahrain and their fans, highlighting their strength and competitiveness in the Gulf region.
