Iraq stuns favorites Saudi Arabia at Gulf Cup

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi national team prevailed over Saudi Arabia during a Monday contest at the 25th Gulf Cup held in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, with the Lions of Mesopotamia winning 2-0. 

A first-half goal by midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh and another by Kurdish forward Aso Rostam during the dying moments of the fixture ensured Iraq a much-needed win in Group A of the tournament. 

“We wish our Iraqi national team more victories in the Gulf Championship 25, which bears a special character, as it is held on the lands of Basra,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said following the victory. 

“Congratulations to the Lions of Mesopotamia,” Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi tweeted, using the moniker referring to the Iraqi national football team. 

The match was held in Basra International Stadium, which has a capacity of 65,000, during heavy weather conditions as heavy rains in the city soaked the pitch. 

“The atmosphere tonight was outstanding and the public was amazing, they were cheering all the time. The Iraqi national team was wonderful so it was the perfect evening. Despite the rain, it was amazing," The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told Rudaw's Mohammed Karezi following the game. 

The only time Iraq hosted the Gulf Cup was in 1979, from which the Iraqi team emerged victorious. 

Despite the country’s constant state of political instability and disunity, the Iraqi population’s special connection to the sport of football has managed to unify the people at times of major regional and international tournaments, coming to the support of the national team regardless of their humble results.

The tournament initiated on January 6 and will run until January 19. Basra had been selected to host three previous editions of the Gulf Cup since 2010 but the venue was changed each time due to concerns that Iraq was not safe enough.

Updated at 11:16 pm with UNAMI head's remarks