For the second time in its history, the Bahraini national team is the Gulf Cup champion

Bahrain National Team Wins Gulf Cup for Second Time in History The Bahraini national football team won the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup title after defeating its Omani counterpart 2-1 in the final match held on Saturday evening (January 4, 2025) at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait. The Omani national team was the first to score through its player Abdulrahman Al-Mushafri in the 17th minute of the match, which gave the impression that the Omani team was on its way to winning the Gulf title. However, the second half witnessed a dramatic turn in the course of the match, thanks to the brilliance of Bahraini star Mohammed Marhoon.

 Marhoon was the hero of the decisive moment, as he won a penalty kick in the 78th minute and scored the equalizer from it, before causing the second goal to be scored just two minutes later, after a shot hit Omani defender Mohammed Al-Musalmi and went into the net, sparking great joy in the stands of the Bahraini fans.

Despite the Omani team's attempts to return to the match, the match ended with Bahrain winning 2-1, declaring the Bahraini "Red" champion of the Gulf for the second time in its history, after achieving the first title in the "Gulf 24" held in Doha in 2019. The final witnessed a crowd attendance of 57,674 fans, reflecting the great popularity of the tournament.

In terms of individual awards, Bahraini Mohammed Marhoon won the tournament's top scorer and best player award, while Ibrahim Lutfallah won the best goalkeeper award, reflecting the distinguished performance of the Bahraini team during the competition.

Official reactions and congratulations from Gulf leaders The final match witnessed a prominent official presence, as the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, sponsored the closing ceremony of the tournament, which included festive segments that reflected the common Gulf culture. At the diplomatic level, the UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, congratulated the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on the occasion of his country's national team winning the tournament, praising the performance of the Bahraini and Omani teams and the successful organization of the tournament by Kuwait.

Bin Zayed wrote in a tweet via the “X” platform: “I congratulate my brother, King Hamad bin Isa, and the brothers in Bahrain on winning the 26th Gulf Cup, and I commend the distinguished performance and high spirit of the Bahraini and Omani teams, and the successful organization of the tournament by sisterly Kuwait, and I wish everyone success in the upcoming competitions.” For his part, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi expressed his pride in the performance of the national team, saying: “We are proud of the honorable performance and sincere efforts presented by our national team throughout the 26th Gulf Cup. Thank you to our stars who made us happy with their high spirits and great dedication.” Al-Busaidi added in a tweet via “X”: “We congratulate our brothers in Bahrain for achieving the title in the final match with our national team, and we also commend the sisterly State of Kuwait for the distinguished organization and resounding success of this edition of the tournament.”

A renewed Gulf sports legacy

The Arabian Gulf Cup is one of the most prominent football events in the region, and brings together Gulf brothers in a competitive sports atmosphere that enhances the spirit of unity and solidarity. The 26th edition witnessed a high technical level and distinguished performance from the participating teams, with the emergence of young names and shining stars.

This Bahraini coronation remains a culmination of the efforts of the Bahraini team, which presented a wonderful performance and deserved the title with merit, to continue its journey in strengthening its position on the Gulf and international football scene.