Iraq Victory moved the national team to the top of Group A after beating Kuwait 3-2 in Khaleji 27. The two sides met Saturday evening during the second round of the Arabian Gulf Cup group stage. Iraq secured all three points after scoring a decisive goal during the ninth minute of added time.
The match began without a goal during the opening half, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. However, the game changed after halftime as Iraq increased its attacking pressure. Zaidan Iqbal opened the scoring for Iraq in the 52nd minute, giving his team the advantage.
Kuwait responded strongly and continued searching for an equaliser through sustained attacking pressure. Yousuf Nasser brought Kuwait level in the 75th minute after converting a penalty. The goal gave Kuwait renewed momentum and created a competitive final period.
Iraq responded again eight minutes later when Saif Hameed restored the team’s advantage in the 83rd minute. Kuwait continued pushing forward and refused to accept another defeat. Nasser then scored his second goal of the evening in the 90th minute, bringing the score level once again.
Iraq continued attacking during the remaining stoppage time despite Kuwait’s late equaliser. The decisive moment eventually arrived during the ninth added minute. Karrar Nabeel scored Iraq’s winning goal in the 90th plus ninth minute, completing the 3-2 victory.
The result gave Iraq four points from two Group A matches and moved the team into first place. Saudi Arabia followed with three points, while Oman held one point after its opening match. Kuwait remained without points following two defeats.
Group A consists of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals. The result strengthened Iraq’s position in the race for a place in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Kuwait now faces a difficult position after failing to collect points from its opening matches.
Khaleji 27 features eight national teams competing for the Arabian Gulf Cup title. The participating teams include Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Yemen. The tournament runs from September 23 through October 6.
Each group match carries importance as teams compete for places in the semifinal stage. For Iraq, the late victory provided another important step toward reaching the next round. The team will continue its Group A campaign with four points secured.
Iraq Victory came after the team overcame two late equalising goals from Kuwait during a dramatic second half. Kuwait’s two goals came through Nasser, while Iraq received goals from Iqbal, Hameed, and Nabeel.
The scoring sequence produced five goals during an increasingly competitive second half. Both teams continued attacking throughout the closing stages, but Iraq ultimately produced the decisive moment. Nabeel’s late strike secured the result and kept Iraq at the top of the group.
The victory leaves Iraq with four points after two matches. The remaining Group A fixtures will determine which two teams ultimately advance to the semifinals. Iraq will now seek to maintain its position during the remainder of the group stage.
The late result made Iraq Victory a significant outcome in the second round of Khaleji 27. Iraq secured the points it needed, while Kuwait remained at the bottom of Group A after two matches.
