Doha, Qatar – Iraq began their campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Bahrain at Stadium 974 on Tuesday. The win places Iraq at the top of Group D, fueled by an own goal and a clinical finish from Mohanad Ali. This result signals a positive start for the Iraqi team as they aim to advance in the tournament.
The match unfolded with early pressure from Iraq, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to take the lead. Bahrain responded with determined efforts, scoring a late goal, but ultimately succumbed to both the scoreline and a red card in stoppage time. The tournament, featuring national teams from across the Arab world, is being held in Qatar as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iraq Secure Opening Win in FIFA Arab Cup 2025
The Iraqi squad demonstrated resilience and tactical execution, according to captain Saad Natiq, who emphasized the importance of breaking a long losing streak against Bahrain. The victory provides a significant morale boost for a team largely composed of younger players and those from the domestic league. Natiq expressed hope for continued success, stating the team aims to win all their matches.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Iraq opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla misjudged a header from Aymen Hussein, inadvertently pushing the ball into his own net. The early setback was compounded in the 27th minute when Mohanad Ali extended Iraq’s lead to 2-0.
Ali’s goal initially faced scrutiny for a potential offside, but a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the validity of the score. This marked a crucial moment in the match, solidifying Iraq’s control and putting significant pressure on Bahrain to respond. The use of VAR has become increasingly common in international football, aiming to ensure fairer outcomes.
Bahrain’s Fightback and Late Drama
Despite the two-goal deficit, Bahrain continued to press forward, showcasing their attacking intent. Mohamed Marhoon nearly halved the deficit before halftime with a shot that narrowly missed the target. This signaled Bahrain’s determination to remain competitive throughout the match.
Bahrain’s efforts eventually paid off in the 79th minute when Sayed Hashim Issa scored from close range, capitalizing on a precise cross from Abdulla Al Khalasi. However, their comeback was thwarted by a late sending-off.
Ebrahim Al Khatal received a red card for violent conduct against Amjed Attwan during stoppage time, effectively ending Bahrain’s hopes of securing an equalizer. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining discipline in high-stakes international competitions. The Arab Cup is known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit.
The result leaves Iraq in a strong position in Group D, alongside defending champions Algeria, who drew 0-0 with Sudan in their opening match. Sudan represents another key competitor in the group, and their performance against Algeria suggests a challenging road ahead for both teams. The Qatar 2025 tournament is providing valuable experience for participating nations.
Iraq will next face Sudan on Saturday, seeking to build on their winning start and solidify their position in the group. Bahrain, meanwhile, will have a difficult challenge against the defending champions, Algeria. The outcome of these matches will significantly shape the qualification prospects for the knockout stages of the football tournament.
Looking ahead, the remaining matches in Group D will be crucial in determining the two teams that advance. The performance of both Iraq and Bahrain will be closely watched, as will the tactical approaches employed by their respective coaches. Uncertainties remain regarding potential injuries and the impact of fatigue on player performance as the tournament progresses.
