Manama: Bahrain will enter the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup today with the aim of getting one step closer to the dream of a second consecutive title. Bahrain’s opponents are Oman in the match at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq. Bahrain qualified for the semi-finals as Group B champions with two wins and one draw. Oman, who reached the semi-finals as the runners-up from Group A, also won two and drew one in the group stage.
Bahrain have been busy training in recent days after drawing 1-1 against Kuwait in the last group match on Friday. Coach Helio Sousa said in a press conference that the team’s full focus will be on the semi-final match against Oman. He said that the more he can stay in the tournament, the more chances of retaining the title will increase. If you win the semi-finals, you will have a chance to win the cup. So, the focus now is on the semi-final,” he added. Two-time champions Oman will pose a tough challenge in the semi-finals.
After drawing with Iraq in the first match of the group stage, Oman reached the semi-finals by defeating Yemen and three-time champions Saudi Arabia in the following matches. The Bahrain-Oman match is at 8.15 pm. Iraq will face Qatar in the first semi-final at 4.15 pm.