Iraq defeats Kuwait 3-2 in dramatic Gulf Cup clash

Iraq claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Kuwait in a thrilling encounter on Thursday at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, during the second round of the group stage at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.

The first half saw both teams evenly matched, exchanging possession and attacking chances but failing to convert, ending the half goalless.

In the second half, Zidane Iqbal opened the scoring for Iraq in the 52nd minute. Youssef Nasser equalized for Kuwait from the penalty spot in the 75th minute. Saif Rasheed restored Iraq’s lead in the 83rd, but Nasser struck again in the 90th minute to level the score for Kuwait.

In stoppage time, Karrar Nabil sealed the win for Iraq with a dramatic goal in the 90+9th minute, earning Iraq three valuable points at the final whistle.

With this result, Iraq moved up to four points, while Kuwait remained on one point ahead of the final group stage round.