Saudi Arabia began their Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a disappointing 3-2 loss to Bahrain in Group B on Sunday.
Bahrain struck first with two first-half goals from Mahdi Abduljabbar and Mahdi Al-Humaidan, giving them an early advantage, as Mohamed Marhoon’s 76th-minute goal restored the Pearl Divers’ two-goal lead after Musab Al-Juwayr had pulled one back for Saudi Arabia three minutes earlier.
Despite Saleh Al-Shehri converted a penalty in the 86th minute, narrowing the deficit, but Saudi Arabia could not find an equalizer. This result leaves Herve Renard’s side under pressure to secure a top-two finish in Group B to advance.
Bahrain capitalized on a well-worked corner in the 19th minute, with Abduljabbar heading into the top corner.
They doubled their lead seven minutes before halftime when Marhoon’s cross set up Al-Humaidan for a close-range finish. Saudi Arabia struggled defensively, conceding their second goal before the break.
The Green Falcons showed resilience with Al-Juwayr’s goal in the 73rd minute, reigniting hopes for a comeback.
However, Marhoon’s exquisite lob over goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi three minutes later dashed Saudi Arabia’s momentum. Despite Al-Shehri’s late penalty, Saudi Arabia failed to level the score.
Saudi Arabia’s defeat extends their winless streak in competitive matches to seven, raising questions about their form. With this result, Bahrain climbed to the group top spot with three points equal with Iraq who defeated last-placed Yemen 1-0 earlier on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia’s next game in the tournament will be against Yemen on Wednesday, while Bahrain will take on Iraq on the same day.
The Green Falcons last won the Arabian Gulf Cup 20 years ago, and hopes for another title hang in the balance. Fans will expect a better display in their next match, with the team’s qualification hopes at stake.
