Qatar secured a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the Gulf Cup of Nations group stage on Thursday. Goals from B. Khoukhi and H. Al Haydos sealed the win, advancing Qatar's campaign in the tournament.
Khoukhi opened the scoring in the 61st minute, finishing off a pass from Akram Afif. Al Haydos doubled the lead deep into stoppage time, converting a penalty kick.
Fathi red card complicates task
Qatar faced a significant hurdle when midfielder Ahmed Fathi was sent off in the 70th minute for a second bookable offence. He received his first yellow card in the 56th minute, followed by a second just fourteen minutes later, forcing the team to play the final twenty minutes with ten men.
Lineup details and substitutions
Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui started with Mohammed Abunada in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring B. Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel. Karim Boudiaf and Abdullah Madibo anchored the midfield. Lopetegui made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Yusuf Abdurisag, Edmilson Junior, and H. Al Haydos. The match also saw yellow cards for Qatar's Saleh Al Brake and Bahrain's Abdulla Madan.
Qatar now prepares to face Yemen away on Sunday, September 27, in the next group stage fixture. The team's upcoming fixtures are available to view. Lopetegui will hope his side can build on this confidence and replicate their improved attacking display in the matches ahead.
